(probably stupid) power booster question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Leland NC
(probably stupid) power booster question
So I am trying to work out a few brake problems on my 73 coupe. The main one right now being that I have absolutely no stopping power. So I am looking for any possible cause. Now this might be a pretty stupid question, but I have to ask...should I be hearing air escape from the power booster behind the brake pedal when I press the brakes? This actually does strike me as something that might be normal, but I could be wrong. The boot that fits around the shaft of the power booster that connects to the brake pedal is pinched (apparently I didnt watch that too well when I installed it) but I don't see how that could form an air tight seal anyways. Thanks for all help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 281
From: Dyersburg TN
bad booster
you should not hear any air noises. Do you only hear it when you step on the pedal? The booster has a rubber diaphragm between the two metal halfs. Engine vacume is applied to one side of the case to help you push on the mc. If you hear air, the rubber is usually tore.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,874
Likes: 7
From: l In
I had the same problem, if you can hear air inside of the cabin, the seal on the booster is shot. This seal is located on the firewall side of the booster. I searched high and low for a seal and could not find one. I talked to my buddy at the parts store and he robbed one from a rebuilt unit. Solved the problem.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 3
From: Muskegon MI
Do you have a high, hard pedal? That would be a classic sign of a booster failing. Of course if you are hearing air escaping when you're braking that isn't a good thing either. New boosters are much more affordable than they used to be, and yours can be rebuilt.
