Been reading a lot about the vacuum brakes. Wonder if they are good or bad? I know i can stop great while towing with my hydro-boost brakes in my 6.4... curious to see about the vacuum set up. also heard that dual alternators defaults to hydro-brakes. anyone know for sure and have any thoughts?


Jason

 

I've driven a 6.2L truck when towing heavy and the vacuum boost brake system has no trouble locking all four wheels with over 1,500 lbs tongue weight. While hydroboost brakes may do better when things get really hot due to the increased clamping power I'm not sure if there's any real benefit otherwise. If driven properly the brakes should never get that hot.

 

good info. thanks. i suspect the same thing. wonder how they feel though. ive heard things like pedal almost going to the floor.

 

My truck had hydroboost and so that's what I was used to, but the vacuum system felt pretty good to me.

 

The vacuum brakes do the job.
I liked the hydroboost of the 6.4L trucks but I've not yet wanted more braking power on my 2011.
I also don't tow over the Rockies.

 

As of now none of my trailers are over 10k. Should be fine. Ford isnt dumb enough to make a silly mistake over brakes on a tow vehicle. I hope.

 

Main reason diesels traditionally had hydro-boost brakes was lack of adequate engine vacuum; even though in later years on different makes, etc. many times there was a vaccuum pump for HVAC, hubs, turbos, egr, etc......

The 08-10's sometimes would develop a severe kick-back in the pedal on 'panic' or rapid application of the brakes; lucky resolution was you had air in system and followed procedure to rid of same; painful $ resolution was replacement of hydroboost. More than a few have paid for that repair on their own dime; or their extended warranty did not cover the PS hose (+$300) which was leaking or allowing air into system.

I had issues with hydroboost in 95 Chevy and the 08 F350 DRW. I am happy with my 2012 w/ vacuum boost. How many of us learned to drive on vehicles w/o power brakes, steering, windows, locks.

Friend and I were talking about this couple of days ago; he said back when he had his Buick Grand National it had hydro boost; used an electric driven hydraulic pump vs. power steering pump.

I didn't like it when Ford started putting vacuum back in the Super Dutys a few years ago; I think it was more a thought that it made it less of a truck. Just like I prefer cab or clearance lamps (which my 12 doesn't have). Right now I feel like the vacuum boost will hopefully reduce risk of $ out of my wallet in future.

Bob

 

Bob, great post. From what i gather, the "pedal bounce" i feel on my 08 if i jam the pedal is due to the hydro boost and its no good? Not that im a pedal jammer, lol, but i have noticed it. Im feeling better and better about the vacuum boost the more i learn about it.

 

I remember this on my '08, but I don't think my '11 had the pedal bounce. Never really thought of it before now though.

 

I would say what your feeling is normal. Every hydro boost truck that i've driven does push back at you some if you stand on the pedal, just should not be violant.

 

So did Ford change the F350s back to Vacuum Boost for 2012? I thought that was one of the main differences between a F250 and F350.

 

Yes sir. Vac only

 

Can you provide a source for this? I just looked it up and came up with this:



Not saying you're wrong or anything, but I'd like to know where to find this.

 

Based on what im seeing (and since i dont have the entire document to decipher) it APPEARS as if the 6.7 diesel f250 comes with hydro boost. Anyone able to confirm?

 

I attached the whole thing, see page 72, it indicates vacuum boost for all F250s.