
10/29/10 DRIVING SYSTEMS INCORPORATED 9/19
III. DRIVING THE VAN WITH THE SYSTEM
Accelerator and brake
Vacuum Brake Assist
The brake system employed in the Scott Driving Controls is essentially a vacuum boost assist
applied to the stock van power brake controls. The stock brake mechanism is unmodified from
the brake pedal to the brake drum and calipers. In late model vans the A.B.S. brake controls
are unaffected.
The Scott System is fairly simple and consists of two major components. The driver in pulling
back the steering column operates a brake servo valve which in turn supplies vacuum to a
brake booster diaphragm. This diaphragm pulls on the stock brake pedal through a bell crank,
thereby applying the brakes.
The brake servo valve is a balanced popit vacuum valve. When it is operated, vacuum flows to
the brake booster diaphragm and the brakes are actuated. The valve will allow vacuum to flow
in a measured and predictable way, making it possible to make smooth, predictable brake
applications. The brake servo valve has just two moving parts and requires very little
maintenance. Since the brake servo valve is built into the brake linkage, it responds very
quickly to changes to the control column position. The brake booster is a large rubber
diaphragm; enclosed in a metal container responsive to the vacuum supplied by the valve. The
rubber diaphragm inside the brake booster requires periodic replacement.
All brake linkage is made of 4130 chrom-moly steel. All rod ends are impregnated with long
lasting lubricant. The length of the brake linkage is fixed at the time of construction, insuring
that the brake is activated as soon as the control column is pulled back from it’s 90°position.
Any increase in brake travel is usually the result of rear brake shoe wear. DSI recommends the
rear brakes be manually adjusted or adjusted by deliberate use of the self-adjusting feature of
the General Motors brake system (see your vehicle’s owner’s manual). Gradual deterioration of
the stock brake master cylinder will be characterized by intermittent loss of hydraulic pressure
at the wheels. The driver will experience dramatically increased control column travel most
often starting intermittently. If these conditions occur, the vehicle must be returned to the
General Motors dealer as soon as possible to avoid brake failure. .Brake problems, which are
mechanical in origin, will be consistent, happening every time the brake is applied.
All braking mechanisms added in the Scott Driving Systems are vacuum in nature. There are no
changes or modifications to the original manufacturers hydraulic brake controls. Vacuum is
created by the engine sucking air into the intake system. Vacuum for the Scott System controls
is drawn from the 3/8 vacuum line that supplies vacuum boost to the stock power brake vacuum
booster. Vacuum is stored in a 720 cubic inch steel vacuum tank under the van. A soft seated
check valve insures the retention of stored vacuum for emergency use. If the engine stalls or run
out of gas, the stored vacuum provides enough brake assist to pull off the road
In normal use, the driver in the Scott System will not really feel the quality of the brake valve.
If however the driver pulls back for brakes the brake valve opens, the brake pedal is pulled
down and the driver’s ‘feel” notchiness or stickiness, this is characteristic of a brake valve that
needs service. Since the valve is vented with atmospheric air from both sides, dirt, sand and
water can enter the valve under extreme conditions. These contaminants shorten the life of the
quad rings inside the valve. Since the two moving parts inside the valve are stainless steel, they
are seldom damaged.