power brake booster
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by myblue72
going to replace my power booster any advice or tips would be apreciated.
i wish i had known that the later models (77 up i think) have a dual diaphram to get added boost before i replaced my 75 unit.
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 445
Likes: 1
I just repaced mine last fall. I got the unit from AutoZone for about $85.00. You will need a swivel head socket, a set a deep sockets 1/2 9/16 and a large bottle of pain reliever. Remove the drivers seat and steering wheel. The 1st 3 bolts are easy. the 4th is a real bear to find and get to. Also ,move the brake light switch out of the way.
Have fun
Have fun
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by myblue72
going to replace my power booster any advice or tips would be apreciated.
I noticed that a previous posting said the booster assembly could be had from an auto parts store. Hmmm. I'd make some calls to the different Corvette restoration places to inquire about rebuilding my power brake booster. At one time you could order all the parts from GM and do it yourself (if you could get the two big clam shell housings to mate together.) If I had a power brake booster assembly and needed it re-newed I'd really look into the several brake booster restorer.
If you're going to replace the power booster with a manual system, it's pretty easy. You'll need a new master brake cylinder and new brakes lines from the master cyclinder to the frame distribution lines. You''ll need a new distribution block ( perhaps) and the bracket to mount the distribution block to the master cylinder. Look at the AIM book. The new brake lines can be ordered (In-Line Tube, Classic Tube, etc.)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
It’s a pain in the azz, but mainly just because the upper nuts are very difficult to get to as is reinstalling the clip that connects the brake pedal (I use a carter pin).
If your master cylinder is OK, you don’t need to mess with any of that, two nuts and remove it from the booster – let it hang or tie it back without removing any of the brake lines. It won’t leak any fluid out the back. If it does, it needs to be replaced.
Under the dash, I remove the brake light switch, the clip that connects the brake pedal, and then attack the nuts. I have never removed the seat or the steering wheel, but I’m not a huge fella either.
I would check the plunger length on the old booster and compare it to the new one before I install it. Just in case.
Honestly, it’s not a technically difficult job, just not one for the claustrophobic. Just look it over and start removing stuff.
I do recommend a batch of cold beer to be used as pain reliever after you’re done. However, I believe that this is necessary with nearly every Corvette repair job…
If your master cylinder is OK, you don’t need to mess with any of that, two nuts and remove it from the booster – let it hang or tie it back without removing any of the brake lines. It won’t leak any fluid out the back. If it does, it needs to be replaced.
Under the dash, I remove the brake light switch, the clip that connects the brake pedal, and then attack the nuts. I have never removed the seat or the steering wheel, but I’m not a huge fella either.
I would check the plunger length on the old booster and compare it to the new one before I install it. Just in case.
Honestly, it’s not a technically difficult job, just not one for the claustrophobic. Just look it over and start removing stuff.
I do recommend a batch of cold beer to be used as pain reliever after you’re done. However, I believe that this is necessary with nearly every Corvette repair job…
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,191
Likes: 145
From: Snake handler
You may want to hook up a vac line to the booster to test it before you install it. I received three bad boosters when I did mine and what a PITA to install, remove, install, remove, install, remove, install aaarrggghhhh!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
You can have your original unit rebuilt by Booster Dewey for about $95.00 + shipping.
He was great to work with.
I am just getting ready to put my booster back in. You will need the swivel socket. I did mine after I removed the steering column and mounting brackets. This adds a lot of work but I still think it is easier than trying to see/find the bolt up in the left hand corner. Now I had my dash apart to rebuild and detail the speedo and tach so for me it was just an oh by the way I am already in there.
I have heard of some guys leaving the one nut off since it is probably the single most frustrating bolt on the entire car!!!!
Good Luck!
Bill
He was great to work with.
I am just getting ready to put my booster back in. You will need the swivel socket. I did mine after I removed the steering column and mounting brackets. This adds a lot of work but I still think it is easier than trying to see/find the bolt up in the left hand corner. Now I had my dash apart to rebuild and detail the speedo and tach so for me it was just an oh by the way I am already in there.
I have heard of some guys leaving the one nut off since it is probably the single most frustrating bolt on the entire car!!!!
Good Luck!
Bill