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Brake Proportion Valve


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Until I brought my 1993 ES300 into the dealer for this, I had not heard of this valve.

Symptoms: Brake light came on, and fluid is slightly low, and I found some fluid under the car (just a bit) at the rear. I figured it was a minor leak in one of the lines or something not tightened correctly.

Dealer diagnosis: Inspection finds brake fluid leaking from one of two main fluid lines to the rear of the vehicle at the fluid proportion valve. The line is severely rusted. To repair this condition, replacement of all metal and rubber brake lines at the rear of vehicle and the proportion valve.

Sears diagnosis: Fluid proportion valve - need to take it to the dealer...!

The problem is the 3500$ estimate for this job. Is that what it really costs? Is it possible to replace just this value and the leaks of the lines to it? Or is the dealer being over cautious and profitable in replacing more of the system?

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$3500 job?!?? Sheesh, are they using titanium brake lines? The proportioning valve should be about $100 (it's a valve that balances the in-line pressure between the calipers to ensure they all clamp at a balaced level).

I wouldn't have the dealer run new brake lines... no way! I would go to a qualified brake shop and tell them you want the really poorly corroded lines re-ran to clean up the leaks, but that's about it. They may be corroded on the outside, but still clean and functioning on the inside. If they are really bad, just re-run the really bad ones. Heck there are only two calipers to the rear of the car... it's a pretty short run of brake line and note nearly a $3500 job. The Sears guys aren't going to know much (I'm surprised they pinpointed the proportioning valve), but a good brake specialist will.

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Wow - that's something to think about.

I took it back from Lexus dealer, and as mentioned, Sears won't touch it - so off to Toyota dealer Monday for an evaluation, and I'm going to tell him basically what you told me. I don't see how anything on an old car could be 3k$, except if you got a new engine from Xzbit on Pimp My Ride or something.

I have been searching the net for this specific part to see if it's a jillion dollars, but you answered my question.

Both Lexus and Sears said it's all corroded under there, but I assume the brake lines are stainless steel, and as you mentioned, should be OK, except at the junctions.

So if Toyota says 3k$, I really need to find a real mechanic like you mentioned. The question is, in San Diego, who is that mechanic?

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Here's the dealer's explanation on this:

During inspection found fluid leaking from rear of vehicle. Inspection finds brake fluid leaking from one of two main fluid lines to the rear of the vehicle at the fluid proportion valve. The line is severely rusted -- to repair this condition replacement of all metal and rubber brake lines at the rear of vehicle and the proportion valve. Estimate $3,550

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