Subject:
Brake force distributor:
The brake force distributor distributes the braking power between the front and rear wheels. A car must always brake harder at the front than at the rear. The ratio is approximately 60-40%. The front wheels use 60% and the rear wheels use 40% of the total braking power.
A car always dives forward when braking. Most of the weight is then on the front wheels. The weight on the rear wheels therefore decreases. If the rear wheels were to brake as hard or harder than the front wheels, they would immediately lock because there is almost no weight on them. The result is that the wheels would slip, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
The brake force distributor is mounted in front of the rear axle of the car. When braking occurs and the car dives forward, the rear axle extends. The brake force distributor is then activated and reduces the brake fluid pressure to the rear wheels. This results in less pressure on the rear brakes, causing them to brake less hard.
If the car brakes even harder, the rear axle extends further. The brake force distributor now allows even less brake fluid to the rear brakes.
When the car stops braking, it no longer dives forward. The rear axle and the brake force distributor return to their neutral position.
The brake force distributor is a mechanical component. Over time, due to various weather conditions, its pivoting function can diminish. It can happen that the brake force distributor gets stuck, and almost no braking pressure reaches the rear wheels. This is quickly detected during the MOT at the brake test stand. It is a rejection point. In such a case, the brake force distributor needs to be disassembled, cleaned, and lubricated.
A photo of the brake force distributor will follow soon.