Power Brake Booster
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Fort White Florida
Power Brake Booster
Has anyone ever changed one these? I was informed my power brake booster in my '79 was losing vacuum yesterday and needs to be replaced. Is this something I should attempt on my own or let my mechanic do? I have read about changing it and it is doable but, how high is the frustration level? It is so hot and humid here now that I start sweating just going outside. If anyone has had a shop do it what would be the going rate? Also could it be something as simple as the Check Valve needing replaced? I recently replaced some vacuum hoses and the brake one was one of them. With all the yanking and stuff could I have messed up the valve or the seal?
Thanks,
Rick
Thanks,
Rick
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Hello Rick
I changed my PB with the dash out that was easy. With the dash in its a considerable bit harder. Four bolts hold the booster to the firewall the top nuts are harder to get to. Remove the clevis and pin from the brake pedal and that’s pretty much the hard part. My check valve came installed on my PB. Before I replaced the PB I would make sure that's what the problem was its one of the least popular task.
Scott
I changed my PB with the dash out that was easy. With the dash in its a considerable bit harder. Four bolts hold the booster to the firewall the top nuts are harder to get to. Remove the clevis and pin from the brake pedal and that’s pretty much the hard part. My check valve came installed on my PB. Before I replaced the PB I would make sure that's what the problem was its one of the least popular task.
Scott
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Salem NH
I just changed mine a month ago. June in New England is good working weather tho
I had to have a friend with smaller hands do the upper outside nut and we just removed the connection to the neutral safety switch and the clevis.
Definately confirm it's the booster and not something like the grommet around the plastic angle piece.
As any work on these goes...it's a hobby to enjoy accomplishing tasks and knowing it's done right.
Make sure the correct length pushrod is used.
I had to have a friend with smaller hands do the upper outside nut and we just removed the connection to the neutral safety switch and the clevis.
Definately confirm it's the booster and not something like the grommet around the plastic angle piece.
As any work on these goes...it's a hobby to enjoy accomplishing tasks and knowing it's done right.
Make sure the correct length pushrod is used.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
It's definitely doable with the dash in, but remove the driver's seat so you have easier access to get up high underneath the dash to get to the upper two bolts (you will have to contort your body somewhat).
And do make sure that you get the correct length pushrod as Trip 69 stated (ask me how I know)!
And do make sure that you get the correct length pushrod as Trip 69 stated (ask me how I know)!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
Just curious.There are two different lengths rods that go behind the mastercylinder.What are the measurements between the two.Im starting to wonder if I don't need a longer one.
Last edited by rugerm44; Jul 16, 2011 at 10:23 AM.
