A brake balancer keeps the ratio of braking power equal between the front and rear ends of the vehicle. This system assists larger vehicles that may have weight unevenly distributed.
For a large vehicle, such as a commercial truck, the brake balance pressurizes the brakes on each wheel at the same rate and time. This keeps vehicles from losing control and having rear or front ends turning in the opposite direction from braking quickly.
If the brake balance is uneven on a van, the front or rear difference in braking may cause the vehicle to spin out of control. This is more apparent with 18-wheel trucks. If 18-wheel trucks are not properly balanced, the cargo trailer may twist in the opposite direction from the front brakes.
A working brake balance is also used for race car drivers. The brake balance on many racing cars is kept up-to-date and well maintained so the driver can control braking at fast speeds. If the brake balance is not well maintained, the driver may spin out of control around turns on a racetrack.
