SD-03-953

Bendix® LQ-5™ Ratio Valve

1.5"
3/8 P.T. .340”
SUPPLY PORT MOUNTING
HOLES (2)

STAMPED LQ-5
REPLACEMENT
PC. NO.
1/8 P.T.
CONTROL PORT

3/8 P.T.
DELIVERY PORT

Figure 1 – Bendix® LQ-5™ Ratio Valve

DESCRIPTION
The Bendix® LQ-5™ ratio valve can be used in a variety IMPORTANT: Do not replace the Bendix® BP-1™ front
of applications, including truck-tractors, straight trucks, brake proportioning valve with the LQ-5 ratio valve.
school buses and transit buses. For truck-tractors, it is The LQ-5 valve will not function properly in the BP-1
used on the front (steering) axle of tractor air brake systems valve system.
to proportion brake application pressure during normal
Caution: The LQ-5 ratio valve can replace the Bendix®
tractor-trailer operation.
LQ-4™ ratio valve on tractors. The LQ-5 valve control
Alternatively, the LQ-5 ratio valve can be used on the port must be connected to the trailer supply line. When
rear axle (or rear axle group) of long wheelbase vehicles the tractor is disconnected from the trailer, bobtail tractor
to reduce brake application pressures during moderate braking performance is improved because full brake valve
control pressure actuations. In this configuration, it is pressure will be applied to the steering axle brakes.
designed only for long wheelbase vehicles, and is not to
Although it is not mandatory, the LQ-5 valve is used in
be used in other vehicle applications.
conjunction with the Bendix® BP-R1® bobtail proportioning
The LQ-5 ratio valve is also sometimes used to ratio brake relay valve, only when a front axle ratio valve is spec'd on
control pressure on liftable axles without Antilock Braking the vehicle. The BP-R1 valve and LQ-5 valve combine to
Systems (ABS). reduce stopping distance and improve tractor control in
bobtail mode. (For additional information on the BP-R1
A quick release valve or relay valve must be installed valve, see SD-03-1067.)
between the LQ-5 valve delivery and the brake chambers.
1
 GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
WARNING! PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH:
When working on or around a vehicle, the following guidelines should be observed AT ALL TIMES:
▲ Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the ▲ Never connect or disconnect a hose or line
parking brakes and always block the wheels. containing pressure; it may whip and/or cause
Always wear personal protection equipment. hazardous airborne dust and dirt particles. Wear
▲ Stop the engine and remove the ignition key eye protection. Slowly open connections with
when working under or around the vehicle. care, and verify that no pressure is present. Never
When working in the engine compartment, remove a component or plug unless you are
the engine should be shut off and the ignition certain all system pressure has been depleted.
key should be removed. Where circumstances ▲ Use only genuine Bendix ® brand replacement
require that the engine be in operation, EXTREME parts, components and kits. Replacement
CAUTION should be used to prevent personal hardware, tubing, hose, fittings, wiring, etc. must
injury resulting from contact with moving, be of equivalent size, type and strength as original
rotating, leaking, heated or electrically-charged equipment and be designed specifically for such
components. applications and systems.
▲ Do not attempt to install, remove, disassemble ▲ Components with stripped threads or damaged
or assemble a component until you have read, parts should be replaced rather than repaired.
and thoroughly understand, the recommended Do not attempt repairs requiring machining or
procedures. Use only the proper tools and welding unless specifically stated and approved
observe all precautions pertaining to use of those by the vehicle and component manufacturer.
tools. ▲ Prior to returning the vehicle to service, make
▲ If the work is being performed on the vehicle’s certain all components and systems are restored
air brake system, or any auxiliary pressurized air to their proper operating condition.
systems, make certain to drain the air pressure ▲ For vehicles with Automatic Traction Control
from all reservoirs before beginning ANY work (ATC), the ATC function must be disabled (ATC
on the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with a indicator lamp should be ON) prior to performing
Bendix® AD-IS® air dryer system, a Bendix® DRM™ any vehicle maintenance where one or more
dryer reservoir module, or a Bendix® AD-9si® air wheels on a drive axle are lifted off the ground
dryer, be sure to drain the purge reservoir. and moving.
▲ F o l l o w i n g t h e v e h i c l e m a n u f a c t u r e r ’s ▲ The power MUST be temporarily disconnected
recommended procedures, deactivate the from the radar sensor whenever any tests USING
electrical system in a manner that safely removes A DYNAMOMETER are conducted on a vehicle
all electrical power from the vehicle. equipped with a Bendix® Wingman® system.
▲ Never exceed manufacturer’s recommended
pressures.
▲ You should consult the vehicle manufacturer's operating and service manuals, and any related literature,
in conjunction with the Guidelines above.

2
 BRAKE
CHAMBER

PP-7™
TRAILER
SUPPLY BRAKE
VALVE VALVE

SUPPLY

QUICK RELEASE BENDIX® LP-3™

VALVE LOW PRESSURE
BENDIX® INDICATOR
LQ-5™
VALVE GAUGE

DELIVERY

FRONT AXLE
SERVICE RESERVOIR
BRAKE CHAMBER

Figure 2 – Bendix® LQ-5™ Ratio Valve Installation on the Front Axle

OPERATION
GENERAL
After an initial delivery, the Bendix® LQ-5™ valve limits front The LQ-5 valve also allows full service pressure to pass
axle brake pressure during normal tractor-trailer operation. through it when the trailer supply valve (red octagonal
The LQ-5 valve has two spring-loaded pistons: a blend button) is pulled out – when the tractor is running in bobtail
back piston and a proportioning piston. The “stepped” mode.
proportioning piston determines actual air pressure
Note: LQ-5 valve control pressure, which comes from the
reduction and the blend back piston allows the valve’s
trailer supply line, will vary. As a result, the LQ-5 valve
delivery pressure to “blend back” and reach a 1:1 ratio
delivery and blend back ranges will also vary, because the
during high pressure brake applications.
blend back piston works against control pressure. Figure
CONTROL PRESSURE 3 shows the LQ-5 valve delivery range at two control
120 PSI pressures: 90 psi and 120 psi.
FRONT
AXLE TRACTOR-TRAILER MODE
BRAKE
CHAMBER Brake Application – LQ-5 Valve Limiting
PRESSURE
CONTROL During tractor-trailer operation, the trailer supply valve (red
PRESSURE octagonal button) is depressed and delivers air pressure
NO CONTROL 90 PSI simultaneously to the trailer and to the LQ-5 valve control
PRESSURE
port. Air pressure enters the LQ-5 valve control port and
displaces the blend back piston, against the resistance of
its spring, until the piston contacts the cover.

INITIAL 0
DELIVERY BRAKE VALVE DELIVERY
PRESSURE PRESSURE

Figure 3 – Bendix LQ-5 Ratio Valve Performance

Curve
3
 COVER
DUAL
BRAKE
VALVE

BLEND
BACK
SPRING

BODY
TRAILER
SUPPLY BLEND
VALVE BACK
PISTON

INITIAL
DELIVERY
PISTON

PROPORTIONING
PISTON
FRONT
BRAKE INLET/
CHAMBER EXHAUST
VALVE

Figure 4 – Bendix® LQ-5™ Ratio Valve Limiting: Tractor-Trailer Mode (Shown During Initial Delivery)
Control pressure holds the blend back piston against
the cover and the “initial delivery” spring forces the
proportioning piston to its seat in the body, which opens the
BRAKE VALVE APPLICATION PRESSURE
inlet. The “initial delivery” pressure is designed to ensure
that the brake linings contact the brake drums before
proportioning occurs. The exhaust valve is sealed due to
its spring. Brake valve air pressure enters the supply port,
moves through the center of the pistons, around the inlet/
exhaust valve, and out to the front axle actuators.

Air pressure being delivered to the brake actuators is also

present beneath the proportioning piston. Because the area
on the delivery side of the proportioning piston is larger
than that on the supply side, the delivery side needs less
air pressure to apply the same force.

Therefore after the initial delivery pressure, the Bendix®

LQ-5™ valve delivers less air pressure to the front axle than
it receives from the brake valve.

BALANCED BRAKE VALVE APPLICATION –

LQ-5 VALVE HOLDING
The forces acting on the proportioning piston are equal
when air pressure beneath the piston is approximately
one-half of that above. (For example, if a 40 psi brake
application is made, approximately 20 psi would be APPROXIMATELY 1/2
present beneath the proportioning piston.) At this point, the OF BRAKE VALVE
APPLICATION PRESSURE
proportioning piston lifts and closes the inlet. The exhaust
passage remains sealed. With both the inlet and exhaust Figure 5 – LQ-5 Ratio Valve Holding: Tractor-Trailer
valves closed, the LQ-5 valve is balanced – front axle air Mode
pressure is neither increasing nor decreasing.

4
Figure 6 – Bendix® LQ-5™ Ratio Valve Releasing Figure 8 – LQ-5 Ratio Valve Mode
Tractor-Trailer Mode

BRAKE VALVE RELEASE

Upon brake valve release, air pressure above the blend
back piston returns to the brake valve and exhausts. Air
pressure from the delivery line lifts the proportioning piston
and inlet/exhaust valve away from the exhaust seat in the
body. Air then flows out the open exhaust passage. Air from
the actuators exhausts through the quick release valve.
(See Figure 2.)

If the service brakes are rapidly released, air pressure may

lift the inlet/exhaust valve further against the relatively light
resistance of the valve spring. Air would then also flow back
through the open inlet and out to the brake valve.

When air pressure beneath the proportioning piston

depletes to less than approximately 8 psi, the valve spring
is able to seat the exhaust valve. The “initial delivery” spring
keeps the inlet open and allows air from the Bendix® LQ-5™
valve delivery to flow through the valve, out the supply and
back to the brake valve.

Figure 7 – LQ-5 Ratio Valve Blending back: Tractor-

Trailer Mode

5
BRAKE APPLICATION – BENDIX® LQ-5™ VALVE hours, whichever comes first, for proper operation. Should
BLENDING BACK the valve not meet the elements of the operational tests
noted in this document, further investigation and service
Service brake pressure enters the Bendix® LQ-5™ valve
of the valve may be required.
supply port and combines with the force of the blend back
spring to work against control pressure. When service
OPERATION & LEAKAGE TESTS
pressure is sufficiently high (see Figure 3), the total
downward force begins to overcome the upward force of OPERATION TEST
control pressure on the blend back piston. The blend back
To properly test the LQ-5 valve, use a pair of test gauges
piston is forced into contact with the proportioning piston.
or gauges of known accuracy.
Both pistons now move as one. Because of the added
surface area of the blend back piston, LQ-5 valve delivery 1. With the trailer supply valve pushed in (tractor-trailer
pressure “catches up” as supply pressure increases. When mode), install two air gauges in the front axle service
the piston assembly contacts its seat in the body, the LQ-5 system: one between the brake valve and the LQ-5
valve delivers full application pressure. There is then a 1:1 valve and one at a front axle actuator.
ratio between supply and delivery. 2 Build system pressure to governor cut-out setting.
3. Make a service brake application with the foot valve and
BOBTAIL MODE have someone observe the gauges. When the gauge
BRAKE VALVE APPLICATION, BALANCE, between the foot valve and the LQ-5 valve reaches 40
psi, the actuator gauge should read approximately 20
RELEASE
psi (±5 psi).
When the trailer supply valve is pulled out, air in the LQ-5
4. Make a full service brake application. Both gauges
valve control port flows back to the trailer supply valve
should read the same pressure.
and exhausts to atmosphere. With no control pressure,
the blend back piston is forced by its spring to contact the 5. With the trailer supply valve pulled out (bobtail mode),
proportioning piston. The inlet/exhaust valve is held by its make a 30-40 psi service brake application. Both
spring and seals the exhaust passage. Both pistons, now gauges should read the same pressure.
moving as one, reach their stop in the body. 6. Remove the test gauges.

This is the position for bobtail mode apply, hold and release. LEAKAGE TEST
The LQ-5 valve delivers full service application pressure
1. Build system pressure to governor cut-out. With the
in bobtail mode. Upon brake valve release, delivery air
trailer supply valve pushed in (tractor-trailer mode),
pressure flows back through the LQ-5 valve, to the brake
apply a soap solution to the LQ-5 valve exhaust port.
valve and out to atmosphere. Air from the actuators
The leakage should not exceed a one (1) inch bubble
exhausts through the quick release valve.
in less than three (3) seconds.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE 2. Make and hold a full brake application and apply a soap
solution to the exhaust port and around the cover where
GENERAL it joins the body. The leakage should not exceed a one
(1) inch bubble in less than three (3) seconds.
Perform the following tests and inspections at the
prescribed intervals. If the LQ-5 valve fails to function as VALVE REMOVAL
described or if leakage is excessive, repair the valve or
1. Secure the vehicle on a level surface by means other
replace it with a new or genuine Bendix® remanufactured
than the brakes.
unit, available at any authorized parts outlet.
2. Drain air system completely, making sure all reservoirs
Important: Review the Bendix Warranty Policy before are at atmospheric pressure.
performing any intrusive maintenance procedures. A
3. Identify and mark all air lines and their respective
warranty may be voided if intrusive maintenance is
connections on the valve.
performed during the warranty period.
4. Disconnect all air lines.
No two vehicles operate under identical conditions, as a 5. Remove the valve from the vehicle.
result, maintenance intervals may vary. Experience is a
valuable guide in determining the best maintenance interval
for air brake system components. At a minimum, the valve
should be inspected every 6 months or 1500 operating

6
VALVE INSTALLATION
If the vehicle has a front axle ratio or limiting valve (such COVER
as the Bendix® LQ-4™ valve), it can be replaced with an
Bendix® LQ-5™ ratio valve. The LQ-5 valve control port
must be connected to the trailer supply line. Also, a quick BLEND 1
release valve must be installed between the LQ-5 valve BACK
SPRING
delivery and the brake chambers. INITIAL DELIVERY
SPRING
1. Install all air line fittings making certain thread sealing
material does not enter the valve. SPRING
SEAT 2
2. Mount the assembled valve on the vehicle with the
exhaust pointing down.
BLEND
3. Reconnect all air lines to the valve using the BACK
identification made during Valve Removal, Step 3. PISTON
6
4. After installing the LQ-5 valve, test all air fittings for
excessive leakage and tighten as needed. 5 4
3
DISASSEMBLY
The following disassembly and assembly procedures
are for reference only. Always have the appropriate BODY
PROPORTIONING
maintenance kit on hand and use its instructions in lieu SPRING
of those presented here. Refer to Figure 9 throughout the
procedures.

Caution: The LQ-5 valve may be lightly clamped in a bench

vise, but over clamping will damage the valve and cause
Figure 9 – LQ-5 Ratio Valve
leakage and/or malfunction. If a vise is used, clamp around
the supply port and the mounting surface.
1. Remove all air fittings from the valve. CLEANING & INSPECTION
2. Before removing the four Phillips head screws that
® 1. Clean all metal parts with mineral spirits or an
secure the cover to the body, mark the relationship equivalent solvent.
between the cover and the body. 2. Thoroughly dry all metal parts.
3. Remove and retain the screws and the metal tag with 3. Inspect the interior and exterior of all metal parts that
the LQ-5 valve piece number on it. Separate the cover will be reused for severe corrosion, pitting or cracks.
from the body. Remove and discard the o-ring (1). Superficial corrosion and/or pitting on the exterior of
4. Remove the blend back and proportioning pistons from the body or cover is acceptable. Replace the entire
the body. valve if the interior of the body or cover shows signs of
corrosion or pitting.
5. Separate and retain the pistons. Remove and retain
the spring seat from the proportioning piston. 4. Inspect the body and cover bores for deep scuffing or
gouges. Replace entire valve if either is found.
6. With a pair of needle nose pliers, grasp the end of the
valve spring (6) inside the proportioning piston. Remove 5. Make certain all air channels are clear and free of
the spring by pulling and turning clockwise. Discard the obstruction.
spring. 6. Inspect all pipe threads and make sure they are clean
7. Remove and discard the inlet/exhaust valve (5) from and free of thread sealant.
the proportioning piston. 7. Inspect all air line fittings for corrosion and replace as
8. Remove and discard the o-rings (2), (3), (4) from the necessary.
pistons.

7
ASSEMBLY
1. Before assembly, lubricate o-rings, pistons, and body 5. Install the spring seat into the piston assembly bore,
and cover bores with the lubricant in the Bendix small end first.
maintenance kit. 6. Install the initial delivery spring on the inner wall of the
2. Install o-rings (3 & 4) on the proportioning piston. Install spring seat.
o-rings (2 & 4) on the blend back piston. Install the 7. Install the blend back spring in the inner diameter of
o-ring (1) on the cover. the blend back piston so that it surrounds the initial
3. Place the inlet/exhaust valve (5) into the inner diameter delivery spring.
of the proportioning piston and retain it with the valve 8. Place the cover on the body in the proper position, as
spring (6). Use needle nose pliers to install the spring marked in Disassembly, Step 2. Make sure the springs
by grasping it on the bar that intersects its end and are square when the cover is attached to the body.
turning clockwise while pressing down. The bar must
9. Using the Phillips head screws and their lock-washers,
be away from (not touching) the valve.
secure the cover to the body. Torque the screws to
Note: Make sure spring coils do not overlap each other 50–80 in-lbs.
as the spring compresses into the proportioning piston.
10. Install all air line fittings, making sure thread sealing
Also, make sure the valve is square, contacts the seat,
material does not enter the valve.
and does not bind.
11. Mount the Bendix® LQ-5™ valve on the vehicle and
4. Insert the proportioning piston into the small bore of
perform the Operation and Leakage Tests before
the blend back piston and install the piston assembly
returning the vehicle to service.
in the body.

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SD-03-953 Rev. 005 © 2017 Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group • 03/17• All Rights Reserved