8 replies to this topic

[Bash Master]

Hi guys

I'm in the middle of fitting the new brake lines to my project mini and at the stage where i need to connect the pipework up to the master cylinder. I have the later type with servo and the regulator fitted to the bulkhead underneath. I am planning to ditch the regulator and pipe the brake lines directly into the master cylinder and have an adjustable bias valve for the rear brakes fitted inside the cabin on the floor. Just wanted to know what peoples opinions are before i go ahead with it really.

Any help appreciated

[Dan]

It's illegal to have the brake bias adjustable while driving in a road car. If you want one it will have to be in the engine bay (or at least out of reach of anyone inside), and arranged so it can't adjust itself with vibration or anything.

[retroracer1275]

is it? my bias valve has been next to the drivers seat for years and never had any problems with MOTs etc

[Nic]

Id be interested to know which ones people recommend as I am doing the same thing. and Dan have you got a link or anything to that law?

[Gulfclubby]

My dad's traveller has it under the rear seat inside the cabin. Never was a problem. Apart from the fact that it leaked at some point.

[Wil_h]

It's illegal to have the brake bias adjustable while driving in a road car. If you want one it will have to be in the engine bay (or at least out of reach of anyone inside), and arranged so it can't adjust itself with vibration or anything.

Where is this written? Do you have a link, never sen it in the MOT handbook which is the only time your car will likley be checked for such a thing. If you went for an IVA you can't be able to change the bias (ever, it must be fixed), but not sure about a car that already exiats

It is written in the MSA regs that for hillclimb cars the adjuster must not be in reach of the driver, not sure if this is also in the race and rally regs.

Edited by Wil_h, 25 January 2012 - 12:41 PM.

[Cater_Racer]

Not in race regs, most race cars have adjustable bias in reach of the driver.

[Bash Master]

Did a quick search and couldn't find anything about it being illegal. I may just fit it away from accidental adjustment though in case the MOT guy has a moan. Somewhere behind the front seats on the floor would be ok i reckon, i won't really need to adjust it once it's set up.

[Dan]

Why does everyone go to the MOT when told something is illegal?

The MOT is designed to test that cars that have been built and licensed according to the type approval process are as safe as when they were built, that's all. It is not designed for people who build or modify their own cars because most people don't. The MOT does not check that your car is road legal. The reason brake bias is mentioned in the various low volume vehicle tests (ESVA etc.) is because it's in the Construction and Use of Motor Vehicles regulations. As I understand it, the specific problem is schedule 3, paragraph 7 which states that no device for controlling the service braking system may affect the operation of any other control. Basically, the brake pedal should be relied upon to do the same thing every time you press it, which makes sense. There will be a similar, probably stricter, control in the European type approval that applies which I believe is 79/489 if you fancy looking it up. It's not in the MOT, but the Police vehicle inspectors and VOSA know the C&U regulations (or at least they carry a very large book) and if you are ever pulled into one of the roadside inspections they setup every now and then they know what they are looking for.

I haven't said don't do it, I've simply stated the (quite commonly accepted) fact that it is illegal and the common way people choose to deal with it. If the valve is in the engine bay (where it is far easier to install) and can be lock wired or something it will be fine. As said above, once it is set it doesn't need to be adjusted so why have it inside the car at all? As also mentioned above, once it's set and locked all it is is a potential fluid leak waiting to happen.