Bad brake booster?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: College Station Texas
Bad brake booster?
Can anyone tell me the symptoms of a bad brake booster? I am having problems in my vette and I want to be sure it's the brake booster before I buy a new one. I'm looking for people with C4s who have had to replace the booster, what were the signs? Thanks in advance CF!
-Matt Carriker
-Matt Carriker
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: College Station Texas
Very hard pedal. Hissing noise from under dash whenever I push the pedal in. How much do new brake boosters run? Will local auto parts store be able to order me one? Thanks.
-Matt Carriker
-Matt Carriker
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
Sounds like the thing is leaking......the hiss the vacuum from the motor.
I am not sure, but I think this is a standard GM booster that many parts stores carry.
I've enjoyed being able to find tons of GM replacement parts for my C4 at local parts stores.
I am not sure, but I think this is a standard GM booster that many parts stores carry.
I've enjoyed being able to find tons of GM replacement parts for my C4 at local parts stores.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
I am not sure if I am fortunate or "un" fortunate, but I never had to replace one.
There are threads I've read where guys talk about having to lie on their backs with feet up in the seat to get to certain things....then one guy said He took his seat out.....but I don't know where that thread is. it was about 5 months ago I was reading it.
There are threads I've read where guys talk about having to lie on their backs with feet up in the seat to get to certain things....then one guy said He took his seat out.....but I don't know where that thread is. it was about 5 months ago I was reading it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,471
Likes: 2
From: 1993 Quasar Blue 'vert Scottsdale AZ
Try to avoid the Cardone brand. They are really crappy. Spend $100 more and get an OEM (PBR brand) booster. Replacing it can be a PIA, but it is pretty straigtforward (do a search).
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: UCKFIELD EAST SUSSEX
It took me 2 hours to replace my booster. Easier if you remove the drivers seat. The main problem is the left side nut that holds the booster in place. Impossible to get a 1/2 inch drive socket onto it. You will need a 3/8 drive and some extension bars to get at it properly. When putting this particular nut back on place some grease over the stud and the nut to keep it in place while you carefully turn it. My original plastic PBR had a large fracture at the bottom of the booster probably caused by the header. My new one is an aftermarked one made of metal. I had to adjust the brake light switch afterwards as the new booster had a slightly different pedal travel otherwise it was OK
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
One of the main reasons the booster fails is a leaking master cylinder. You won't know until you remove the booster. You can buy a loaded set up which has the master cylinder along with the booster. Your FSM has good instructions on this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Took me just over an hour, I didn't remove the drivers seat but you have to be somewhat of a contorsionist. Little secret, put a piece of masking tape on your socket, helps keep the nuts from falling into some hard to get at areas. I don't remember the brand, but I'd recommend getting a metal one rather than the standard plastic ones.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: College Station Texas
I bought a new brake booster. Installed it, and brakes work like new again. Thanks corvetteforum for all the help! It took me longer than expected to install it, but I took a lot of breaks because it was HOT outside. Thanks again.
-Matt Carriker
-Matt Carriker
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