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First, you need to purchase the valve
needed for the modification. It is still available from Alfa Dealers
for around £6.00gbp
Part number - 60543892
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This is the bit we're concerned with,
at the end of the rubber hose.
It's just a simple one-way valve
but I guess it becomes less effective over time, resulting in
less pressure being available when you hit the brake pedal.
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Remove the hose.
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22mm spanner to remove
the valve. |
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You can just see the insides.
Initially I thought there was a ball bearing being held under tension
with a spring, but I soon found out this was not the case...whatever
it is, it needs to be gone! |
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Smallest internal diameter
is around 7.3mm, |
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I used a 7mm drill to
remove the internals. |
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Turns out the internals
are basically just rubber so didn't drill cleanly. |
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Empty!
It took several passes with the drill
and some poking around to remove everything.
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Be brave...cut the brake
hose on the straight bit. |
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Look at the valve, there should be
an arrow showing which way the air needs to flow, in this case
it's towards the engine.
I've marked this with blue pen, the
bottom mark is the arrow.
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Insert the new valve into
the hose where it's cut. |
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Now (obviously!) insert the other
end into the remaining pipe and secure both with suitable clips
and reattach to the inlet manifold
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Before going anywhere...check your brakes still work!
Hopefully, this modification should
make enough difference to the brakes so they are good enough for
everyday road use. If they're still not acceptable then an expensive
brake upgrade is needed!
Update: Having driven the car some
miles now I can confirm the brakes are definitely better! Before
the modification the brake pedal was spongy, that's now gone and
the pedal inspires a bit more confidence!
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