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Upgrade Motorsport Brake Bias / Balance Valve Correct Fittings & Torque Settings Installation Guide

Updated: Nov 1

Correct Fittings & Torque Settings Installation Guide For Screw-Type and Lever-Type Motorsport Brake Bias / Balance Valves (2 × M10x1.0 Female Fittings)


Both Upgrade Motorsport brake bias / balance valves allow you to finely adjust front-to-rear brake pressure balance, giving total control of pedal feel and braking performance for track, rally, and competition applications.


The Screw-Type Valve provides precise incremental adjustment for fixed or pre-set applications, while the Lever-Type Valve offers on-the-fly bias adjustment, ideal for track and rally drivers who need to fine-tune braking mid-session.


Correct installation is essential for achieving consistent brake pressure, reliable pedal feel, and a leak-free hydraulic system.


Two metal brake adjustment components from Upgrade Motorsport on a white background. One has a round knob, the other a red lever marked MORE BRAKE.


Why This Guide Matters

We’ve recently seen a few customers experience fitment issues, including stripped threads and minor fluid leaks, during installation.These problems are almost always caused by incorrect fitting, incorrect torque, using the wrong flare type, or over-tightening the M10 fittings.


To help prevent this, we’ve created this detailed Upgrade Motorsport Bias Valve Correct Fittings & Torque Settings Installation Guide. In this guide we cover the correct fittings, torque settings, and step-by-step procedures for both the Screw-Type and Lever-Type valves to ensure a safe, leak-free installation every time.


Required Tools & Fittings

Tool / Component

Notes

10 mm & 11 mm Spanners

Flare-nut type preferred

Brake Fluid

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 high-performance fluid

Brake Bleeding Kit

For full system bleed

M10x1.0 Lines & Fittings

For flexible braided lines

M10x1.0 Hardline Fittings

For copper lines

Mounting Hardware

M6 bolts or tunnel clip

Thread Sealant / PTFE

Only for tapered fittings – not required for AN fittings

Understanding the Ports

Each valve includes two M10 × 1.0 female ports clearly labelled IN and OUT.

  • IN (Inlet): Connects to the rear master cylinder outlet or rear line from the pedal box.

  • OUT (Outlet): Connects to the rear brake circuit or T-piece feeding both rear calipers.


💡 Tip: Always install the bias valve in the rear brake line only, never the front.


Diagram of a car braking system with T-piece, master cylinder (M/C), bias valve, and rear wheels. Text: © Upgrade Motorsport.

Fitting Type & Sealing

Your Upgrade Motorsport bias valve is compatible with:

  • M10x1.0 (37° flare) – for braided lines

  • M10 × 1.0 hardline fittings (DIN bubble flare) – for copper pipework


Upgrade Motorsport image explaining the correct male fitting types with a metric bubble flare and M10x1 flare illustrations. Text describes shapes.

M10x1 (37° Flare) Fittings

  • Creates a metal-to-metal seal, no washer or sealant required

  • Ensure both faces are clean and burr-free

  • Tighten to 16–19 Nm

  • Ideal for high-performance and motorsport applications


Diagram of an AN-3 flare fitting, showing a 37° angle. Labeled "AN-3 FLARE" and "© UPGRADE MOTORSPORT" below. Clean white background.

M10 × 1.0 Hardline (DIN bubble flare)

  • Use a DIN bubble flare for a proper seat

  • Tighten to 14–16 Nm

  • Use a copper washer if sealing surface requires it


Diagram of a metric bubble flare with a flat, mushroom-shaped base against a flat nut. Text explains incompatibility with 45° tapered flares.

Mounting Location

Mount the valve inline on the rear brake circuit after the rear master cylinder and before the rear brake T-piece.


Recommended Mounting Positions:

  • Screw-Type Valve: On the chassis tunnel or dashboard panel within easy reach of the driver for live adjustment

  • Lever-Type Valve: On the chassis tunnel or dashboard panel within easy reach of the driver for live adjustment


Ensure the adjustment screw or lever is easily accessible but protected from accidental movement or debris.


Black mechanical component with two holes, labeled "Upgrade Motorsport" in silver text. Features red accents and silver bolts.

Installation Steps

  1. Depressurise the System

    • Remove the brake reservoir cap.

    • Pump the pedal several times to release pressure.

  2. Prepare the Lines

    • Flare the ends using the correct tool:

      • 37° single flare for M10x1.0

      • DIN bubble flare for M10x1.0 fittings

    • Deburr and clean threads.

  3. Connect the Inlet Port

    • Attach the line from the rear master cylinder outlet to the IN port.

  4. Connect the Outlet Port

    • Attach the line from the OUT port to the rear brake line or T-piece.

  5. Secure Mounting

    • Fix the valve using M6 bolts or brackets.

    • Avoid tension on brake lines.

  6. Bleed the Brakes

  7. Set Initial Bias

    • Screw-Type Valve:

      • Clockwise = Reduces rear brake pressure

      • Anticlockwise = Increases rear brake pressure

      • Start mid-range and fine-tune during testing.

    • Lever-Type Valve:

      • Pulling lever towards the rear = Increases rear pressure

      • Pushing lever forward = Reduces rear pressure

      • Start mid-range and fine-tune during testing.


Testing & Adjustment

  • Test at low speed on a safe surface.

  • Adjust incrementally to find the best brake balance.

  • Avoid excessive rear bias which can cause rear lock-up.


Graph titled "Pressure vs Bias Adjustment." Red line curves down from 90% to 40% rear pressure, with dashed front pressure line.

Maintenance

Component

Inspection Frequency

Action

Valve Body

Every 6 months

Check for leaks or corrosion

Fittings

Each service

Tighten and inspect for damage

Adjustment Screw / Lever

Every event

Clean and lubricate threads

Brake Fluid

Every 6–12 months

Replace with fresh DOT 4 / 5.1

Torque & Pressure Reference

Component

Torque (Nm)

Notes

AN-3 Male Fitting

16–19 Nm

Metal-to-metal seal

M10 × 1.0 Hardline

14–16 Nm

Use washer if needed

Valve Mounting Bolts (M6)

6–8 Nm

Use Nyloc or Loctite 243

Final Checks

✅ Check for leaks at all fittings

✅ Confirm free movement of screw or lever

✅ Ensure valve is securely mounted

✅ Lines must not be twisted or under stress

✅ Test brake balance progressively before competition use


Summary

Both Screw-Type and Lever-Type Upgrade Motorsport Bias Valves provide precise, reliable control of rear brake pressure for competition and performance applications.


For best results:

  • Use M10x1 stainless braided lines with 37° flare fittings

  • Mount securely along the chassis tunnel

  • Bleed thoroughly and test gradually


This combination delivers a consistent, vibration-resistant metal-to-metal seal and the ultimate in adjustability for track, drift, and rally performance.


Next Step: Earn Rewards on Every Order

Join the Upgrade Loyalty Programme and collect points with every purchase.

💥 Earn 50 points instantly at checkout and double value rewards during special events like Black Friday and Birthday Month.


Liability Notice

All Upgrade Motorsport products must be installed and used by competent individuals familiar with automotive hydraulic systems. Incorrect installation or misuse can result in component failure, serious injury, or death.Upgrade Motorsport accepts no liability for any personal injury, death, loss, or damage arising from the installation, modification, or use of its products. It is the user’s sole responsibility to ensure correct fitment, maintenance, and operation in accordance with motorsport and safety regulations.


Black and red sign reading "Upgrade Motorsport" with tagline "High-Quality/Lightweight/Reliable." Trademark symbol in corner.

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