Proportioning & Combination Valve Repair Service Costs
Basic Proportioning Valve Service
Typical labor: 1-1.5 hours
Cost range: $125-$187.50
Includes inspection, cleaning, and basic adjustment of the proportioning valve.
Combination Valve Rebuild
Typical labor: 2-3 hours
Cost range: $250-$375
Includes complete disassembly, cleaning, replacement of seals, and reassembly of the combination valve system.
Metering Valve Repair
Typical labor: 1.5-2 hours
Cost range: $187.50-$250
Includes diagnosis, repair, and adjustment of the metering valve component.
Complete Valve System Replacement
Typical labor: 2.5-3.5 hours
Cost range: $312.50-$437.50
Includes removal of old valve system, installation of new components, and system bleeding.
Note: These prices reflect labor costs only. Parts and materials are additional and vary by vehicle make and model. All services include thorough brake system testing and adjustment to ensure proper operation.
Proportioning / Combination Valve Repair Procedures
Standard Proportioning Valve
Tools needed:Wrench set, brake fluid, bleeder kit, clean rags
Repair steps:
- Locate the proportioning valve (typically mounted on the frame or master cylinder)
- Clean the area thoroughly to prevent contamination
- Disconnect brake lines, marking their positions
- Remove mounting bolts and the old valve
- Install new valve in reverse order
- Bleed brake system completely
- Test brake pressure and function
Combination Valve (with Metering Valve)
Tools needed:Wrench set, brake fluid, bleeder kit, clean rags, pressure gauge
Repair steps:
- Identify valve location (usually near master cylinder)
- Clean work area thoroughly
- Disconnect warning light switch wiring
- Label and disconnect brake lines
- Remove mounting hardware
- Install new combination valve
- Reconnect lines in correct order
- Reconnect warning light switch
- Bleed entire brake system
- Verify warning light operation
- Road test vehicle
Height-Sensing Proportioning Valve
Tools needed:Wrench set, brake fluid, bleeder kit, clean rags, measuring tape
Repair steps:
- Support vehicle at normal ride height
- Measure and note original valve position
- Clean work area
- Disconnect linkage rod
- Remove brake lines (label positions)
- Remove mounting hardware
- Install new valve
- Set proper ride height adjustment
- Reconnect linkage rod
- Reconnect brake lines
- Bleed brake system
- Verify proper operation at different suspension heights
Important Notes:
- Always use new brake fluid from a sealed container
- Never reuse old brake lines or fittings
- Ensure proper torque specifications are followed
- Test brake operation thoroughly before regular vehicle use
- If unsure, seek professional assistance
Note: These procedures are general guidelines. Specific vehicles may require additional or modified steps. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for exact specifications.
Understanding Brake Proportioning and Combination Valves
Proportioning Valve
AProportioning Valveis a mechanical device installed in a vehicle's brake system that controls the amount of hydraulic pressure distributed between the front and rear brakes. Its primary purpose is to prevent rear wheel lockup during hard braking.
When you apply the brakes, the proportioning valve:
- Reduces pressure to the rear brakes at a predetermined point
- Maintains optimal brake balance between front and rear
- Helps prevent dangerous skidding situations
Combination Valve
ACombination Valveis a more complex component that combines multiple brake system functions into a single unit. It typically includes:
- A proportioning valve
- A pressure differential switch
- A metering valve (in some applications)
This integrated unit performs several critical functions:
- Controls front-to-rear brake pressure distribution
- Monitors hydraulic pressure between front and rear circuits
- Activates the brake warning light if a pressure difference is detected
- In systems with a metering valve, delays front brake engagement until rear brakes begin to work
Adjustable Proportioning Valve
AnAdjustable Proportioning Valveallows manual adjustment of rear brake pressure reduction. This type is commonly used in:
- Custom brake system installations
- Racing applications
- Vehicles with modified suspension or weight distribution
The ability to adjust brake pressure distribution makes these valves ideal for:
- Fine-tuning brake bias
- Compensating for vehicle modifications
- Optimizing brake performance for specific conditions
Note: Proper selection and installation of these components is crucial for safe vehicle operation. Professional installation is recommended for optimal performance and safety.
Common Failure Symptoms of Proportioning/Combination Valve
Signs of Brake Proportioning / Combination Valve Failure
Proportioning Valve
Signs of Failure:
- Rear brakes lock up too easily
- Uneven brake pressure between front and rear
- Brake pedal feels soft or spongy
- Vehicle pulls to one side during braking
- Brake warning light illuminates on dashboard
Service Schedule:
No specific maintenance interval is typically required. However, inspection during routine brake service is recommended. Replace if signs of failure appear or if leaks are detected.
Combination Valve
Signs of Failure:
- Brake warning light stays on
- Unbalanced braking performance
- Fluid leaks around valve body
- Complete loss of braking in one circuit
- Abnormal brake pedal feel
Service Schedule:
Like proportioning valves, combination valves don't require regular replacement. However:
- Inspect during brake fluid changes (every 2-3 years)
- Check for corrosion or damage during routine brake maintenance
- Test warning light switch function annually
- Replace if any failure symptoms appear
Important Note: If you experience any of these symptoms, have your vehicle inspected immediately by a qualified technician. Brake system issues should never be ignored as they directly affect vehicle safety.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
