R23HTC

Was driving along earlier today and the brake pedal got hard and the brakes got to the point I really had to push to get the car stopped. :mad :mad The brakes still work, but I believe my vacuum booster has bit the dust. Now, everytime I step on the brakes I get this hissing sound coming from under the dash and the pedal is as hard as a rock. I have to press as hard as I can just to stop the car.

First: To anyone else that's had this problem, does this sound like the vacuum booster?

Second: I've already priced the part, for those of you that have replaced it yourself, how difficult was it and can you give me some tips as to how to do it?

Thanks.

VetBoy89

Do you check the vacuum hose that goes to the booster? That was my problem, the hose was old and wasn't making a tight seal, so I just put a hose clamp on it and no more problem. Quick and easy to check before you fork out the dough for a new booster. :thumbs:

R23HTC

I did take a look at the hose, no noticable leak. I didn't think it would be hissing under the dash like it is if it was just a hose though. Did yours do that? The noise is definately coming from under the dash when I step on the brake. I also might add, it's only when the car is running. If I have my foot on the brake and shut the car off, the noise stops.

ittlfly

Sounds like the diaphram in the booster has failed. I haven't changed one but I would think about maybe pulling the seat just so you can see your way around underneather there.


[Modified by ittlfly, 12:38 PM 6/27/2003]

R23HTC

If I have to get in there the seat will HAVE to come out! 6'3", I take the seat out for any work under the dash! :D Rest my feet over the ledge in the back.

buzzbomb

Sounds like the booster, use a 1/4 inch ratchet with a long extension and a wobbly 13mm, or maybe it was a 12, to get to the nuts inside. To put them back on the reinstall, wedge a piece of paper or some tape around the nut, and it will stay in the socket, till you get it started. Not to bad, but I was upside down for a while. :cheers:

R23HTC

Thanks for the info.

Everyone feel free to add. The more info the better. :yesnod:

Fuzzy Dice

It's the brake booster... happened to me 3 months ago..identical symptoms...good luck

JCAIRE2

Try sitting on the ground outside the car. That's the way I did mine. Wasn't upside down, or laying on my back. I just sat on the ground and leaned in.

Anyway, it's not hard. Took me about 2.5hrs total and I had to adjust the pushrod length several times to get the correct pedal height and feel. Good luck :cheers:

R23HTC

Update. Including cleaning up the area real well (as I've tried to detail everything else underhood) the new booster was in in about 3 hours or so. All is well. :yesnod: Thanks to everyone for the tips and info. :cheers:

ittlfly

:cheers: