Front wheel brake single to dual piston info?

[ChuckBlack]

Just wondering if anyone has gotten down the gutter by updating their front single piston brake galipers to a double one and NOT upgrading the rear ones? We are doing some testings with some older van models here and one of the year is to upgrade only one side of the braking systems. Our findings is that the metering valve is no longer doing what's it supposed to do. During hard brake application the front wheel lock up instantly while th rear wheels do not even See any hydraulic pressure. Another results was that the brak pads were wearning out prematurely so as the rotors either collapsing or also prematurely wearing out. So my question is to all those who's done the replacements. Have you been having problems or have you seen different braking patterns which may have cause you to suddenly lost control of you vehicles? Or else?

[TieMyShoe]

stopping power was greatly improved and brake fade is no longer (i drive pretty hard). The rear drums when adjusted properly have plenty of pull for even braking. Most of my vehicle have upgraded front brakes and i have never had an issue... the issues you are discribing sound like you are using used parts.. uneven and premature wear are aigns of a sized caliper, colapsed brake hose, or bad master..

[ChuckBlack]

Testings premature wear and patterns on 10, 20, up to 50+ years old transportation vehicle and heavy duty fleet which can be fitted with mediocre parts other than OEM parts are generally what we are seeking to a certain degree. Little do we know but Insurance companies usually will ask for previous modification records as a part of their investigation if any, after an accident occur in my line of work. I mean its ok to replace components in which affects the end results but as long as an approved engineer has his stamp of approval on it I'm cool.

Modifications are usually and most importantly made to improve a faulty system.

Anyway, Good to know that you're not having any problem so far.

[Growlerbearnz]

I've had no issues with mine. The fronts lock up first as they should, and while I've not tested the brake balance it's still quite stable (for a 2500kg van on giant tyres)- so I presume the rear brakes are doing some work.

Our vans are insanely nose-heavy and have a lot of weight transfer under braking thanks to the bouncy castle suspension, so a lot of front bias isn't a terrible thing. Still, you're right, ideally we should be adjusting the brake balance to compensate for larger front brakes.

[ChuckBlack]

Ok thanks good to know!