Watch that load-sensing valve. . .
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Letters to the editor Address your letters to CM Workshop, Room 406, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS Dear Sir • "Perfectly sound brakes fail MoT test," the article by Peter Wallage in Workshop August '88, fails to highlight one urgent factor often responsible for low braking efficiency on one axle. Of course, the braking system foundation must be in order as is highlighted. However, all this effort will be wasted if the load-sensing value is inoperative owing to lack of maintenance or maladjustment. Seizure of this somewhat unhappy feature is, believe me, common place. I have seen a linkage rod between the flexi couplings replaced by a nail with the head cut off because the original had been lost.
The length of the nail did not appear to matter as long as it could make the connection. Many failures for low effort rear axles pass when presented for re-test, not after attention to the foundation but after attention to the loadsensing value. After that, well, in many cases the load sensing is ignored when it comes to maintaining the vehicle.
In conclusion, may I say I enjoyed Peter Wallage's article. Maybe through your excellent publication you can be of help to fitters and mechanics by highlighting further problems they may experience as braking systems become more sophisticated. G L Wright Skelmersdak Lancashire