SSBC W123-3A Installation Instructions Manual Download Page 5

3

W123-A, -3A Revision 3

6)

To insure the proper function of your SSBC brake system several other parts will be required to 
complete the installation. If you did not purchase these parts at the same time as your brake kit
they can be ordered from SSBC or your distributor. If you choose to source your own parts 
please keep the following points in mind.
a)

Master Cylinder 
A master cylinder designed for disc brake applications must be used. Be sure the depth 
of the piston is correct for the pushrod length you are using. For manual brake 
applications a bore size of 15/16”-1” is needed. For power applications a 1” bore size will
work correctly.

b)

Power Booster
The vehicle must have a minimum of 16” of vacuum at idle for the booster to work 
properly. If you do not have at least 16”Hg you will need a vacuum pump or you will have
to run a non power system. Be sure to select a booster for your specific year, make, and 
model with the proper brackets and pushrod. For some vehicles you will have a choice of
the outside diameter of the booster. Generally speaking a larger outside diameter will 
provide more boost than a smaller one. The only exceptions are double diaphragm 
boosters. Keep in mind that your space for a booster will be limited by things like big 
block engines and tall valve covers. SSBC generally recommends a 7”-9” diameter 
booster for your vehicle.

c)

Proportioning Valve
Installation of a proportioning valve will be necessary to insure the rear brakes do not 
lock up prematurely causing a loss of control. This is necessary due to the increased 
pressure generated by the disc brake master cylinder. SSBC recommends an adjustable
proportioning valve to allow fine tuning of the proper rear brake pressure for your specific
vehicle.

d)

Brake Line Connection
All brake lines should be steel or stainless steel tubing. All flares should be SAE Inverted
double flares. For some applications little or no plumbing changes will be necessary 
while others will require all new lines from the frame rail up to the master cylinder. Be 
sure all lines take smooth bends avoiding kinks or restrictions in the lines. Be sure to 
connect the brakes to the proper reservoir of the master cylinder. For GM cars the 
reservoir closest to the firewall usually feeds the rear brakes, while on most Ford and 
Mopar vehicles that reservoir feeds the front brakes. If you are using an aftermarket 
master cylinder check with the manufacturer for proper connections.

7)

Brake fluid and bleeding the system
a)

After completing all hydraulic connections, install new brake fluid (at master cylinder 
reservoir). Remove the master cylinder and bench bleed the master cylinder. Pump 
brake pedal several times to initially fill the system and advance the caliper pistons to 
their working position.

WHEN BLEEDING THE SYSTEM,  PUMP FLUID SLOWLY INTO THE NEW 
SYSTEM. IF FLUID “FOAMS”, IT WILL TAKE A LOT OF FLUID TO BLEED THE 
BRAKES. SOFT PEDAL IS A RESULT OF POOR BLEEDING. TAKE YOUR TIME!

8)

Bleeding the system
a)

When pressure bleeding is employed the correct pressure setting is 10-15 psi. (max.) 
for the bleeder tank.

Summary of Contents for W123-3A

Page 1: ...nstallation please verify you have received all the parts indicated on the packing slip If you believe anything to be missing or incorrect please call our Customer Service Department at 716 759 8666 To assure your installation will go safely and smoothly have the following items on hand to assist you JACK JACK STANDS WRENCH SET LUG WRENCH TUBE WRENCHES TORQUE WRENCH MALLET SOCKET SET WHEEL BEARING...

Page 2: ...DED TO COMPLETE THE INSTALL IF YOU FIND YOU ARE MISSING ITEMS PLEASE CONTACT SSBC IMMEDIATELY REGARDLESS OF WHAT DEALER YOU PURCHASED THIS KIT FROM IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING MISSING ITEMS WARRANTY CLAIMS DEFECTIVE ITEMS OR SIMPLY INSTALLATION ISSUES PLEASE CONTACT SSBC DIRECTLY TOLL FREE 800 448 7722 M F 9AM 5PM EST tech ssbrakes com info ssbrakes com ...

Page 3: ...NABLE REATTACHMENT TO SPINDLE NOTE WHEN INSTALLING KITS A123 3A OR A123 4A ON 1962 64 CHEVY II NOVA 1965 67 V8 5 LUG STEERING ARMS WILL BE REQUIRED b Install new spindles and ball joints Make sure that steering arms point toward rear of car Torque lower ball joint to 65ft lbs upper ball joint to 50 ft lbs WITH SOME CARS IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO DRILL THE TWO STEERING ARM HOLES OPEN TO 1 2 TO USE TH...

Page 4: ... of the pad down to lock the outer pad into the caliper It may be necessary to take the pad in and out several times until the proper amount to bend the tabs is found d Lubricate supplied caliper mounting bolts with silicone grease or other non petroleum lubricant e Position the caliper assembly over the rotor and line up the holes in the caliper ears with the holes in the mounting bracket Bleeder...

Page 5: ... to insure the rear brakes do not lock up prematurely causing a loss of control This is necessary due to the increased pressure generated by the disc brake master cylinder SSBC recommends an adjustable proportioning valve to allow fine tuning of the proper rear brake pressure for your specific vehicle d Brake Line Connection All brake lines should be steel or stainless steel tubing All flares shou...

Page 6: ...ld be brake pedal end play of 3 4 to 1 inch from full release until initial braking action takes place 2 Power brake cars will experience a drop off of the pedal when the engine is started This is a normal condition and signifies that the booster is working correctly DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE BRAKES STOP THE CAR SAFELY INITIAL BRAKING TESTS SHOULD BE DONE IN A SAFE OPEN AREA LOOK FOR LEAKS AN...

Page 7: ...W123 A 3A Revision 3 5 ...

Page 8: ...LESS HOSES ARE SUBMERGED IN BRAKE FLUID UNTIL THE BLEEDING PROCESS IS COMPLETED Now mount master cylinder and avoid brake fluid leaking out of front and rear ports during installation Bleeding steps for Dual Port Master Cylinder If you have a master cylinder with dual port holes 4 port holes 2 on each side it is necessary to bleed both port sides of the master cylinder If both sides of the master ...

Page 9: ...7 C L 74 1 05 5 33 WWW SSBRAKES COM REV T 032 DRAWING Ph 716 759 8666 800 448 7722 Fx 716 759 8688 TEMPLATE NO SSBC STAINLESS STEEL BRAKE CORP CLARENCE NEW YORK 14031 1720 DO NOT SCALE DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES ...

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