Power booster check

[live4theking]

I'm thinking that my power brake booster may need replaced. I read somewhere that a way to check it is to place your foot on the brakes and start the car. When you do this the brake pedal should go down. I did this in my DD and that is what happens, but not in the 68 NYer. is this a good test? Is there another way to test it?

I would like to be sure before I spend nearly a $100 or more. My money bag is growing lighter by the day.

Since I bought the car I've replace all of the hard lines, hoses, wheel cylinders, and hardware in the wheels. I am using the shoes that were on the car and in good condition.

The pedal is hard to push and only has maybe an 1" of travel. I haven't tried to measure its travel yet. I hadn't thought to do that until I'd already come in for the night.

Thanks for your help.

 

[cantflip]

Looked around and found this...
Classic Chevy, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford technical articles
At a glance looks to be a simple and accurate guide... I may need to post it more often.

A common failure for a booster would be a symptom of a very hard pedal but little braking and better braking engine off.
Better link for booster operation
AGCO Automotive Repair Service - Baton Rouge, LA - Detailed Auto Topics - Vacuum Brake Boosters

 

[live4theking]

Cantflip,
Thanks, those are both very helpful articles. I'll have to print them and take them to the garage tomorrow or over the weekend. Hopefully I can narrow it down.

 

[live4theking]

Well, I've got good vacuum at the booster. It fails the hold the hold the pedal down and start it test. It seems like I'm going to be buying a booster.

 

[cantflip]

Well, I've got good vacuum at the booster. It fails the hold the hold the pedal down and start it test. It seems like I'm going to be buying a booster.

Please keep us informed... Also check the back side of the master cylinder for leaks, a leak there shortens the life of the diaphragm. Unbolt the master and ease it forward, dip a zip tie into the booster like a dipstick... if you have fluid, you may as well get a loaded booster.

 

[live4theking]

I'll give that a try tonight. I already put some blaster on the nuts the other day to help there.

 

[live4theking]

Well the master cylinder came off easily enough. I didn't find any signs of leaking fluid.

 

[live4theking]

I ordered a booster yesterday. Hopefully it will be here before the weekend. We're supposed to have nice weather and I'd like to get it put together.

I think I'll start getting everything broke loose if not removed tonight so that all I have to do is the install.

 

[live4theking]

Well, I stuck in a holding pattern waiting for the booster to come in. I was hopefully that I'd be able to put it on today, but the parts store doesn't get Saturday deliveries. It should take long to get it in on Monday since the old one is practically out. I might actually pull it tomorrow and take to work with me on Monday so I don't have to pay the core charge.

 

[cantflip]

Well, I stuck in a holding pattern waiting for the booster to come in. I was hopefully that I'd be able to put it on today, but the parts store doesn't get Saturday deliveries. It should take long to get it in on Monday since the old one is practically out. I might actually pull it tomorrow and take to work with me on Monday so I don't have to pay the core charge.

I would do that. Cell phone pics if you are worried about putting it back together and when you trade it for the core you can give it a detailed comparison... not that the wrong part may come in...

 

[live4theking]

I pulled it last night. It's sitting on the floor board. I'm glad that I'm pulling it, because the rod that hooks to the pedal fell out of it when I removed it. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up the new on after work tonight.