Replacing Brake Boster DIY?

[captain_wally]

My power brake booster went out the other day. I'm not really familair with working on the Vettes and am wondering if anyone has a write-up or could give me some details on replacing the booster.

I would appreciate it.

Thanks

 

[tyrel]

I've done it twice, there are only a couple of bolts that hold it in, but getting to them is a bear. Here's how I did it, if I recall correctly: remove the two mounting bolts holding the master cylinder to the booster, gently move the m/c out of the way. Now comes the hard part: unless you happen to be a very small person, it's easiest to remove the drivers seat to get underneath the dash. You have to remove the underdash panel, then lay down on your back on the floor of the car and reach waaaaaaaaay up under the dash to remove the two nuts. Then swap it out, it couldn't be easier.

 

[tigmaned]

also remember to measure the master cylinder actuator rod coming out of the booster and adjust to your old ones length. some boosters actuator rods need just a little adjustment. but other then the location the 4 mounting bolts aren't to hard, just a PITA for your body.
check rockauto.com prices for one?? they maybe cheaper.

 

[captain_wally]

Thanks guys...I'm just about to go see what trouble I can get into

 

[jsinga]

You know you can replace the diaphram in that booster for way under $50.
That is about all that can go wrong with it. It comes apart easy and a hole in it is easy to find once you have it off the car.

JS

 

[Edmond]

Like everyone else said, the job itself isn't difficult but getting to the booster bolts is difficult because of where it's positioned at. You will need an extension and a universal to get to the booster bolts.

If I remember correctly, there are 3 or 4 holes that the pin will go into. Just measure up which hole the pin was in on there right now and put the pin back in that place and you'll be all set to go.

 

[Achilles]

I just replaced mine as well. Easy to do. But like everyone has said, the hardest thing is reaching the two nuts up under the dash. A little patience and cussing and you'll be finished in no time.

I didn't disconnect my brake lines from the master cylinder so I didn't have to bleed the system.

Once you get it back together, if you seemed to have excessive brake pedal, pull the master cylinder again and adjust the adjusting rod (or nut) outward.

 

[captain_wally]

Thanks for all the help guys. I ended up taking the advice and removing the front seat (I'm 6'3") and it was still a little annoying, but managable. I used an extension with a pivot socket to get the two bolts under the dash out, not too much trouble at all.

Its nice to have power brakes again