Do I Need Rear Brake Compensators ?

[dexter1002 4 1 Cars]

Hi there I've replaced my rear beam and master cylinder for the 1.9 so I can run discs, I also re-lined all the copper pipes and removed the rear compensator not knowing what it was, would I need to replace this and put one on each brake line to the rear ? Cheers I'm slowly sorting my 205 by trial an error lol

[Anthony 1,002]

If you're still running standard front brake calipers up front, then yes, you will need a compensator otherwise you'll likely suffer premature locking of the rear wheels.

[dexter1002 4 1 Cars]

Thanks what kind of upgrade would I need on the front to not need the compensators ?

[Anthony 1,002]

GTi-6 or similar.

 

Seems much easier just refitting the compensator into the rear brake circuit though...

[dexter1002 4 1 Cars]

Yeah I only have the 1 that's all, thanks though I will refit the compensators!

[cybernck 402 1 Cars]

That one has always been a bit of a "catch 22".

 

Some people say that rear compensators are not required with GTI-6 brakes,

as to increase the pressure at the rear brakes to match the increased

stopping power at the front and keep the same front-to-rear brake bias.

 

However, others say that with uprated front brakes there's more weight

transfer to the front brakes, leaving the rears more prone to locking.

[allye 530 3 Cars]

Slightly relavent, I ran 1.9 fronts and a 1.6 beam on my Rallye then XS. No compensators, locked up the front first.

[arwel 43 2 Cars]

Would you need the compensators if you were to fit a bias valve?

[Mad Scientist 106]

The bias valve does the same thing effectively.

 

[petert 585]

Would you need the compensators if you were to fit a bias valve?

 

No, you have one or the other, not both. Adj bias valve are not legal on road cars here. So check your local situation first.

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

Quite pleased this has come up really as when I overhaul my suspension I'm wanting to change my lines for piece of mind and compensators were something I was wondering if I'd be able to do away with.

[SurGie 54]

Brake compensators are there for when a heavy load is at the back end of the car, ie passengers and baggage.

 

Ive fitted them as OE did but mine are for the 306 GTI 6 brakes.

[cybernck 402 1 Cars]

You are talking about load-sensitive compensators, such as on a 306 / Xsara and ABS equipped 205's.

 

Standard 205 GTI 1.9's have fixed-pressure rear compensators.

[welshpug 1,655]

they arent quie fixed rate, they have a rising rate from a certain pressure up to the specified max where they flatline.

[cybernck 402 1 Cars]

OK, bad wording. I meant they aren't load-sensitive in a way the 306 ones are.

[arwel 43 2 Cars]

No, you have one or the other, not both. Adj bias valve are not legal on road cars here. So check your local situation first.

Good good.. Reason i asked was one of the boys has a bias valve in his 205 but still has the compensators installed and was wondering if he could ditch them. Im planning on ditiching mine over winter now when the car has a little overhaul. Cheers

[welshpug 1,655]

One of the boys is a muppet then Classic West Wales "rally car" is it? just a 205 with a noisy exhaust and super oscars