Question from the forum “Behind the wheel” is answered here from time to time:
What is a “wizard” in a car?
The rear wheel brake power regulator, commonly referred to as the wizard, is a device that keeps the pressure in the rear brake cylinders from rising too high. Its purpose is to prevent the rear wheels from locking early and skidding during a sudden stop. This feature helps maintain steering control and stability when braking hard, especially in emergency situations.
There are two common design options for these regulators.
- Static valves were used on many older foreign cars without ABS. These valves simply capped how much pressure could build up in the rear brake circuits, reducing the risk of rear wheel lockup.
- Locally developed vehicles use devices that regulate rear brake pressure with feedback. These systems monitor braking conditions and adjust pressure in real time to keep the rear wheels stable.
If the rear portion of the vehicle is unladen or rises under heavy braking, the lever linked to the rear suspension interacts with the wizard and halts the pressure increase in the rear brake circuits. This mechanism helps preserve vehicle control during intense stopping maneuvers.
Questions may be directed to a qualified technician or service manual for specific vehicle models. For related topics, there are additional resources that discuss braking dynamics and vehicle balance. The Behind the Wheel series can also be followed on VKontakte for updates and discussions.