Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes Rear disc conversion

I have a 98 Contour with drum ABS that we just got done converting to discs. We picked up an ABS hub at the junk yard and put on new calibers, rotors, parking brakes cable and hoses. Went together fairly easy.

My question is about the reducer valve. The FAQ says there is no valve on ABS drums, but that can not be true as my car has one. When I look at my SVT through the wheel, which came with ABS dics, the valve appears as if it may be different.

So my are the valves different and do I have any thing to worry about?

The car is still on jack stands and the brakes have not been bled yet.

I did a search, which I am not all that good at, and I am still confused.

Rich S

IIRC, the FAQ says that the reducer won't matter on an ABS car because the ABS will prevent lockup anyway. The rear discs should be more effective, so loss of braking efficiency should not be a concern either.

You got the best of both worlds, enjoy.

I am not concerned about lock up because it does have the ABS. Really I am more concerned the other way that the there will be less flow to the rears needed for the discs and I lose braking efficiency in the back.

Rich S

My 98 SVT E0 has pressure reducing valves. It also has ABS. I believe that they are still needed with ABS.

The ABS cars use a different part number than the non ABS cars. I don't know what the difference is.

Jim,

Is the reducer the same for ABS disc and ABS drum? The reducer does not show up on the catalog at Team Ford. I have make the change and the car stops. Not sure if I see any difference, as is around town driving but I don't have to deal with drum brakes any more. It is my daughter's car so I want to make sure it is safe and works properly.

Rich S

I don't know but I suspect it is the same.

The conversion seems to work. No issues with stopping although my son says it dives too much. I think it because of the suspension and seems the same as before the conversion to me. Also went through New Jersey inspection where they tests the brakes stopping on pads and measure the force.

Rich S