1997 Pathfinder rear brake question

[ptwohey]

There is "something" within the rear brake line system to this '97 that needs fixin'. A bracket with a spring has broken away. It bolts to a small nut plate on the differential housing center and is connected by a 1" diameter spring to the brake "something". There is a lever on that "something" that moves in and out as the differential moves. I see several brake lines going to and from this unit but have no idea what it is or how it works.

I know this description is odd but maybe someone knows what I'm looking at and what it does? My Pathfinder runs, goes forward and stops without problems but this "something" must be there for a reason?

[carmo]

It sound to me that the piece you are looking at is the device that actually varies the brake force between front and rear depending on how much weight you have in the rear of the vehicle or if you are towing something. I'm not sure but I think the more weight thats in the rear the more rear biased the brakes will be. That is, if that thing is working properly....

[spassmore]

I need the name of this part because I have the same problem with my 1997 pathfinder and I am looking for a replacement part. Thanks

[ptwohey]

If you are planning to purchase the parts from a Nissan dealer, they will have the catalogs showing the various assemblies and pieces that make up the brake system.Once I knew what this part did, I made up the metal parts myself and welded them in place on the differential to fix it.

I.E. I don't know the name of the parts, sorry.