Brake Booster Questions...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 388
Likes: 0
From: Acworth Georgia
Brake Booster Questions...
Guys,
This past Sat nite my brake booster went out. I've searched the forums and done some reading, but have a couple of questions. The way I understand it is that 85-96 cars have a plastic diaphram which is obviously prone to cracking/busting. I've read that the 84 cars had a metal diaphram, and that this booster is a direct bolt in interchange for any 85-96 car. Is this correct? If so I would rather replace it with a metal one,...but I want to be sure before I order any parts since all the stores around here have to order either one. Thanks for any and all help and/or info.
This past Sat nite my brake booster went out. I've searched the forums and done some reading, but have a couple of questions. The way I understand it is that 85-96 cars have a plastic diaphram which is obviously prone to cracking/busting. I've read that the 84 cars had a metal diaphram, and that this booster is a direct bolt in interchange for any 85-96 car. Is this correct? If so I would rather replace it with a metal one,...but I want to be sure before I order any parts since all the stores around here have to order either one. Thanks for any and all help and/or info.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,832
Likes: 209
From: Canton GA
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St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
Re: Brake Booster Questions... (Hi-psi)
This is the first I've heard of the difference between non ZR-1 boosters. I can tell you it isn't the easiest thing to change... just did mine a couple of months ago. If you need a hand, let me know! Oh, btw, Jeff Kopp hooked me up with my replacement. :seeya
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 388
Likes: 0
From: Acworth Georgia
Re: Brake Booster Questions... (92Shawnster)
TTT.
Anybody got any ideas??? I'm wanting to order one or the other this week. My little 160lb butt is having a real hard time stopping this car.... :D
Anybody got any ideas??? I'm wanting to order one or the other this week. My little 160lb butt is having a real hard time stopping this car.... :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: Chandler AZ
Re: Brake Booster Questions... (Hi-psi)
The plastic ones crack eventually from heat (especially headers); mine only lasted 12 years. The ZR-1s used metal ones for a couple years, although I'm not sure which years. All boosters are compatible and will bolt right in; some forum folks have installed the metal booster. Not sure if it's still available new from Chevy, but seems like some of the parts shops (Checker, Autozone, etc) were selling reman units in plastic or metal.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 1
Re: Brake Booster Questions... (Hi-psi)
Yes all the 84's had a metal booster. The inside diaphram of the booster though is not plastic on the 85-96 just the housing. The housing on the 84 is metal though. As far as the ZR1 booster they are different then the 84-96 style booster. They are much longer and they have different brake lines out of the master cylinder so one of those will not work unless you convert the master cylinder and lines over to a ZR1 system.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Micco FL
Re: Brake Booster Questions... (Hi-psi)
Don't know about what other years fit, but do know that they cost around $120 and should be replace with the master cylinder also. One of the major reasons vacuum boosters fail, other than breaking is brake fluid leaking. Another issue is many manufactures will not warrantee their boosters if not replaced with a new master cylinder. I learned this first hand since I've replaced 2 in the past two years.
Have got it down pat now...only took me about an hour and an half for the complete job.
Have got it down pat now...only took me about an hour and an half for the complete job.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: Chandler AZ
Re: Brake Booster Questions... (snaketr)
the ZR1 booster they are different then the 84-96 style
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Delanson NY
Re: Brake Booster Questions... (Hi-psi)
Not sure on the differences between the boosters, but I've changed mine twice in the past five years. The best thing that I did was to purchase through Autozone, relatively inexpensive and they come with a lifetime warranty, as long as you own the car. As for changing them, cake.... I changed my last unit in about 1/2 an hour. Leave me a message if you need any help. Two nuts on the outside and, drop the kick panel on the inside, remove the clip holding the rod from the booster to the brake pedal, then remove the 2 or 4, but I think it was 2 nuts holding the booster on. Installation is the reverse, obviously. Hardest part I think was manuvering myself under the dash, but the hole job is quite easy. Good Luck!
FRED
FRED