Use of front brake line lock

[Sherman]

I'm considering adding a selenoid operated line lock to my truck. My friend just lost his truck into the drink. He set the emergency brake put truck in gear, got out of truck to chock the wheels and the whole truck went down the ramp and under. This happens 3-4 times a year at the Santa Cruz ramp. I figure the line lock when installed in the front brake line would keep this from being possible since the front wheels are always high and dry. To operate the line lock just mash down on the brake and flip the switch. When you are ready to leave just put foot on brake and turn the switch off. Avalible from JEGS.com for about 63 dollars. Anyone done this and is this a good or bad idea.

 

[JB]

Re: Use of front brake line lock

I had a device like that on my 1955 Studebaker, Sherman.<br /><br />They called it a "hill holder". It was available on stick shift cars for stopping and starting on grades with only 2 feet to work 3 pedals.<br /><br />It was very handy in Hawaii, where I lived at the time. If you operated both the brake and clutch at the same time, it would hold the brake until the clutch was let out so you could move your right foot to the accellerator to pull away.<br /><br />I believe that it was completely hydraulic. The pressure from the clutch master cylinder closed a valve to prevent release of brake master cylinder pressure from the brake lines. When you released the clutch, you released the brake at the same time.<br /><br />Failure to maintain parking brakes in good operating condition has dunked many a truck at the ramp.<br /><br />I think the device you are talking about would be darned good insurance.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Use of front brake line lock

Sounds like a good device, to be used WITH a good workiing parking brake, not to replace.<br /><br />Sounds like you want to add, not replace, good!<br /><br />Probably the same valve the use in surge brakes for when you put your truck in reverse, it blocks the fluid from activating the trailer brakes.

 

[Sherman]

Re: Use of front brake line lock

Thanks for the input. You can also get a line lock that is hydraulic only but I would have to run brake lines into the cab. It is a little cheaper but it looks like it would be much harder to install. Also, I think it just releases the next time you push on the brake, which sounds like a good idea. I worry about grandkids fliping the switch while I'm driving. It might keep the brakes from working. Oh, just had a thaught I could wire it so it will only work with truck in park.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Use of front brake line lock

It would be more important to lock the rear brakes, or all brakes. Locking just the front will give you the least amount of braking, since you'll be rolling backwards downhill with a load on the rear frame or bumper.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Use of front brake line lock

I had a device like that on my 1955 Studebaker, Sherman.<br /><br />They called it a "hill holder". It was available on stick shift cars for stopping and starting on grades with only 2 feet to work 3 pedals.

A "Stude man" huh? I remember those. They were on earlier models also. We had a 1950 Champion when I was young. Later I had a cusomized 1953 Commander. All with "hill holders". Then the automatic transmission became popular and the hill holder wasn't needed.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Use of front brake line lock

Originally posted by Steve Huminski:<br /> It would be more important to lock the rear brakes, or all brakes. Locking just the front will give you the least amount of braking, since you'll be rolling backwards downhill with a load on the rear frame or bumper.

We are already locking the rear brakes when we activate the parking brake and/or put the transmission in "park". This device when properly used would result in braking on all four wheels.<br /><br />Sherman,<br />Let us know how it works out, it sounds like a good idea.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Use of front brake line lock

Also, I believe disc brakes (usually front) will hold better when backing up. Brakes shoes (usually rear) will allow you to go backwards, even when applied. <br /><br />Firmly apply your parking brake on flat ground. Put the vehicle in reverse and give it some gas. You will move backward. Try it in forward and you will not be able to move.

 

[Sherman]

Re: Use of front brake line lock

Thanks all for the input.<br />I will order this just as soon as I have time to install. Will let you know how it works. (unless it fails and I also go under.