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Ford F-150 F-250: How to Replace Brake Booster

Is your brake pedal suddenly higher and stiffer than normal? Is your car taking a much longer distance to stop than before? You might have a bad brake booster! Thankfully, replacing a brake booster is relatively easy and inexpensive. Here is a step-by-step how-to guide that will show you how to get it done on your Ford F-series.

By Brett Foote - September 19, 2014

This article applies to the Ford F-150 (2004-2014) and F-250, F-350 Super Duty (2005-2014).

There is nothing more unsettling than pressing the brake pedal and instead of a smooth, steady stop, you are rewarded with a high, hard pedal, and a longer than expected stopping distance. These symptoms are a clear indication that you may have a bad brake booster on your Ford F-series. In the olden days of drum brakes, we didn't have to worry about such things. But given the prevalence of discs, this is a very real problem today.

Material

  • 3/8" ratchet
  • Extension and socket
  • 3/8" universal joint
  • Open-end wrench set.

Step 1 - Remove the linkage

  • Crawl under your dashboard and locate the booster connected to your brake pedal.
  • Disconnect the clip (colored in yellow in the image below) that connects the pedal with the booster.
Figure 1. Remove the pedal to booster linkage.
    • Slide the booster linkage off of the pedal assembly.
    • Peel back the firewall padding.
    • Use the 3/8 ratchet, extension, and socket to unbolt the booster from the firewall.
    • You may need the universal joint to access some of the bolts.

Step 2 - Remove the booster

  • Open the hood, and unbolt the master cylinder from the brake booster using an open end wrench.
Figure 2. Remove the booster.
  • Pull the vacuum line from the booster, then pull the master cylinder away from the booster and let it hang from the brake line.
  • Pull the booster off and place it to the side.
Figure 3. Remove the line from the booster.

Step 3 - Install the new booster

  • Slide the new booster into the firewall.
  • Crawl under the dash and bolt it back using the 3/8 Inch ratchet and socket.
  • Re-connect the pedal linkage to the booster using the factory clips.
  • Open the hood and slide the master cylinder onto the mounts on the booster and bolt it in place, using an open end wrench.
  • Plug the vacuum line back in place with a firm push and tighten the clip with pliers to avoid in leakage.
Figure 4. Install the new booster.

Pro Tip

  • Some Ford F-250 Diesel trucks have a hydroboost brakes. Hydroboost brakes uses pressure created by the power steering pump to make pressing the brakes easier.
  • Here is how to remove and replace your hydroboost.

Featured Video: How to Replace the Brake Booster on F-150/F-250 Truck

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