Proportioner valve stripped threads problem

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May 2, 2006 | 04:31 PM

JoelW

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Proportioner valve stripped threads problem

Hi all. I have a 97 Ranger 2.3l. 2WD with RABS. I had a leak in my rear brake line near the axle. In replacing it, I stripped the threads on the proportioning valve- turning a $10 repair into something significantly more. I've been reading through posts trying to find info on these valves. Some of your readers suggest bypassing the valve, but I'd rather not do that.

Would anyone suggest using a helicoil insert? If so, how would I tap and drill a hole that does not go all the way through?

My other option is to buy a used valve, but I can't seem to find any used ones. There are no Rangers in slavage yards in the Brooklyn, NY area, it seems. Where is a good place to find salvage parts like this on line? I have been to several on-line stores, including eBay and no one has this part. I may not be using the right search words.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Joel

May 2, 2006 | 04:40 PM

RangerPilot

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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)

I hate to say it, but dealership? Any brake shops in your area might be a good place to look as well. Or keep lookin' for boneyards, you may have to drive a ways to find one.

RP
Zach

May 4, 2006 | 11:27 AM

JoelW

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Thanks, Zach. I appreciate the fast response, and your suggestions. I was finally able to find a salvage yard nearby that had them. It just took a lot of determination to weed through the bogus advertisers in my area to find a slavage yard that had one- or at least that's what they told me on the phone a minute ago. I'll believe it when I see it.

Thanks again FTE!

Joel

May 4, 2006 | 01:11 PM

reddog99

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From: So. Cal.

A helicoil insert is a good idea, but if you don't already have a kit around, they're not exactly cheap & a thread sealer should be used. But cheap is relative & I don't know what a new valve costs.

Drilling & tapping is no problem (you supply the drill, the kit has the tap), but the entire valve will need to come out to perform the work. Keep everything immaculate.

Pat

May 5, 2006 | 08:11 PM

JoelW

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Seems I got my hopes up a bit too soon on finding a RABS valve at a salvage yard. They said they had four RABS valves. Turns out they didn't have any Rangers at all, though they thought they could get one off an Explorer, but it didn't match. Dealer wants $275 for a new one. Been looking on line for used ones, but haven't found any. They don't have them listed in the categories, unless I am looking in the wrong place or calling it the wrong thing.?

Tried taking the valve apart to try to drill and re-tap the stripped threads, but got absolutely no where with that. Couldn't get anything off without seriously damaging it.

Unless someone at FTE can suggest a sure place to get a used one on line, I've decided to bypass the valve for now (hopefully pass inspection) and drive it out of the NYC area where more Rangers at salvage yards might be found.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys-

Joel