braking nose dive

[jeffc280sl]

Has anyone tried using an adjustable brake portioning valve to improve this situation?  I suppose it would be used to reduce pressure to the front brakes so that more rear braking is involved in stopping the car.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[Cees Klumper]

Somehow this seems like it would decrease overall stopping power, no? I thought that most of the braking always comes from the front wheels and that it's the geometry of our cars that makes for the nose-dive. I have gotten used to it over the years actually. One thing that should take care of this nosedive is John Olson's progressive-rate springs (at least they did on Tom Sargeant's 'Tunis Beige' 280 SL). I thought you have those springs Jeff, am I mistaken or did they not affect the diving on your car?

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[jeffc280sl]

Hi Cees,

I do have the new springs and the nose dive is better.  I had sort of a panic stop at 70 mph the other day and was wondering if the rear brakes could do more of the work.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[Ben]

You may end up locking up a rear wheel if the bias isn't correct however a brake bias valve, as fitted to most rally cars could be employed !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

[George Davis]

Jeff,

I strongly recommend against changing the brake bias.  As Ben said, if the bias is too much to rear, the rears may lock up first.  In a hard or panic braking situation, the car will swap ends.  Exciting, sure, but usually undesirable.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual