Author Topic: Brake Compensator?  (Read 1881 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Ferrit

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 465
  • Country: gb
  • Mark Ferris
Brake Compensator?
« on: November 16, 2025, 10:42:40 AM »
Morning, hope you are all well

Anyone have a brake compensator out of the car, an old one, a new one or experience of?

I am sure my new compensator is seized.  I can’t budge it.  I have disconnected at ARB end and using its pivot rod no matter how much pressure I put on the actuator it’s locked.

Any thoughts?



Lancia Beta Coupe 2000 SA import, now project
VW Caravelle t5.1 was project
Merc EQA

Offline peteracs

  • Administrator
  • Legendary Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4525
  • Country: gb
  • Peter Stokes
Re: Brake Compensator?
« Reply #1 on: November 16, 2025, 04:47:02 PM »
Hi Mark

Buy a new one, they are pretty cheap, just make sure you get the same size and thread fitting for the brake lines, from memory there are at least a couple of similar oriented ones with different pitch threads.

Peter
Beta Spyder S2 pre F/L 1600
Beta HPE S2 pre F/L 1600

Offline Ferrit

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 465
  • Country: gb
  • Mark Ferris
Re: Brake Compensator?
« Reply #2 on: November 16, 2025, 05:53:21 PM »
yeah you are right.  I will order another tonight.
Lancia Beta Coupe 2000 SA import, now project
VW Caravelle t5.1 was project
Merc EQA

Offline Nigel

  • Legendary Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 1181
  • Country: gb
Re: Brake Compensator?
« Reply #3 on: November 16, 2025, 10:47:21 PM »
I have a new one still not installed.

Just looked at it now. The centre part doesn't move inwards
but it does move rotationally and does move slightly outwards.

My theory is that it needs a fluid pressure within it to operate in
an 'out' direction. And that outwards direction is regulated
by the position of the arm connected to it. The arm, being related to
the 'lift' of the car on braking, will allow less pressure upon rear lift.
Conversely, in its present state, like mine is, it would allow full pressure to flow.
Or vice versa.

Nigel
1984 2.0 Carb HPE [ex Aus] Grigio Finanza.
2007 Mazda 6 2.3 [current daily, highly recommended]
The past:
1980 2.0 HPE White in South Africa [hope it survives!]
1976 1.6 Coupe Lancia Blu [PFG 76R] [probably deceased]
oh,and an Uno Turbo 1997 also in SA [stolen,never recovered]

Offline Ferrit

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 465
  • Country: gb
  • Mark Ferris
Re: Brake Compensator?
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2025, 01:09:25 PM »
I get your theory and I think you are on the right track and explains things a bit more.  Looking through the manuals, interestingly the connection rods are different thickness for different models so they are not just a connection but a torsion rod or sorts.  The other shot from the Haynes manual clearly shows a spring that is pushing it back in.

Right panic over and I will link it back up as the manual says.  Its driving/braking all okay.  Not that I have tested in anger much yet.

Thanks all.

Mark
Lancia Beta Coupe 2000 SA import, now project
VW Caravelle t5.1 was project
Merc EQA

Offline peteracs

  • Administrator
  • Legendary Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4525
  • Country: gb
  • Peter Stokes
Re: Brake Compensator?
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2025, 02:54:37 PM »
Hi Mark

Easy enough to test I guess, jack up the rear end and see what braking to the rear changes?

Peter
Beta Spyder S2 pre F/L 1600
Beta HPE S2 pre F/L 1600

Offline SanRemo78

  • Legendary Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 1236
Re: Brake Compensator?
« Reply #6 on: November 18, 2025, 08:35:43 AM »
If you're replacing the compensator chances are the new one will come without the rubber boot or it's going to have one but it won't fit as the tube for the actuator arm is on the wrong side..... This happened to me with one I bought from Mark but it wasn't an issue as the one on the car was in very good condition, responded to cleaning and treating and went back on.

If your boot isn't in great shape then sourcing a new one may be the only choice. I've found one at Oldtimer-shop.eu in Slovenia. I haven't bought one but have had parts from them (wheel centre caps I think) and service was okay, the do ship to the UK.

https://oldtimer-shop.eu/product/fiat-125-128-ritmo-a112-brakes-regulator-valve-rubber-boot-4189434/

Guy
Hawk HF3000 - Square Arch Stratos Replica - owned since 1988.
Skoda Superb Scout 2021. Believed 1of 1 in the UK!
Fiat Panda 100HP and now -
A Lancia Beta Coupe 1981 2 Litre

Offline Ferrit

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 465
  • Country: gb
  • Mark Ferris
Re: Brake Compensator?
« Reply #7 on: November 18, 2025, 10:33:42 AM »
I followed your advice Guy.  New one fitted with old boot that was mint. 
Lancia Beta Coupe 2000 SA import, now project
VW Caravelle t5.1 was project
Merc EQA