405 Brake Compensator

[evilally]

Did all 405's have a rear brake compensator valve fitted? I've heard all about how much trouble the spring can cause as it's not available separately. However I got my 405 with 103k on it, and it had no compensator valve fitted. The lines go straight to the rear brake cylinders. The brakes have always been a bit rubbish, I suspect this valve has gone walkies at some point due to cost of replacing the spring?

[citronut]

cant remember on the 405's but the likes of the 306's some had a compensator some did not,

the one's witout i think have compensating in the wheel cylinders,

as this is the options the likes of GSF would ask on inquiring with them for rear cylinders,

if you send me the last 8 digits of you chassis/VIN No. i will look on pug service box to see what she should have

check out the link below

http://www.neatcarparts.co.uk/brake-com ... 6087-p.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[addo]

I believe it makes brake bleeding a whole lot harder. Have bled through 2½ litres personally on mine to get a solid pedal.

Could easily get you a corrosion free used Aussie one, prices might be a bit rude - I'd guess at £45 landed.

The compensator has different size threads in it so you can't cross circuits. I don't know how you'd go without splicing in an extra 6" of tube for each side when bypassing.

The real PITA with 405 (and 605) rears is the intermediate flex hose, it collapses internally after not so many years, due to the tight bend radius.

[spider]

Do you have ABS ? Some models may not have a compensator fitted if you do.

[evilally]

Thanks guys, ServiceBox lists it as having a compensator. I've removed all of the brake pipes as they weren't in good shape, but they looked original to me. The car doesn't have ABS. I'm just wondering if I should refit with a compensator and if that would improve the brakes, which have never been great. Addo, that's a very kind offer, I might take you up on that!

[spider]

It should as the restriction in flow to the rear brakes will make the fronts 'byte' more, similar effect in how the brakes work better when the rear shoes* are correctly adjusted compared to one that's in need of adjustment.

*Assuming shoes at the back as its a TD, I think mainly 2.0 petrols had discs.

[addo]

I did an experiment where I capped off the rear brake ports. It felt "normal" to drive under most conditions of my 20km private test track.

After bleeding, I also experimented with the compensator wired to full flow, on the same test track. It gave me some impressive four wheel skid marks up to a roundabout (thought I wasn't going to stop)... Personally I would run an Mi16×4 rear setup with Xantia brakes and a couple of accumulators if building a trick 405...

[citronut]

Addo, that's a very kind offer, I might take you up on that!

why buy a non rusted second hand Ausy one, when the one in the link in my last post to this thread is brand new,
and £55 quid

[evilally]

Good find, I had checked Neat car parts already on ebay, and they sell the same one on there for £110! I had assumed link was the same price. For £55 new I think I'll just fit one.

Mi16x4 rear setup would be awesome, however I'm betting parts will be scarce and expensive. I've already gone to all the effort of refurbing the rear beam. Don't worry though, there will be some other interesting bits to make up for it