Brake booster
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Dublin, IN.
Brake booster
I am working on my 1978 Ford 150. The brakes are coming on and brake lights coming on when it is started and the vacuum starts pulling. (Power brakes, obviously) The truck has been sitting for a little over a year. I don't know what the inside of the booster looks like so I can't see in my mind what is happening in there. I did take the vacuum hose off of it and the brakes did not go on, so it must be something sticking inside the booster. Am I on the right track and is it fixable with a junkyard brake booster (although I already have a used one on the truck) or is it fixable at all? Should I replace it with a new one? First time I've ever seen this. You can watch the brake pedal go down when you start it.
Gary-R
Gary-R
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 414
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From: Accokeek, MD
Gary,
It does sound like a booster problem. Maybe a sticking valve in there. Those things can't really be fixed. I have had good luck with used junkyard replacements, but my personal opinoin, you may want to shell out the extra $$$$ and buy a new. I never take chances with my brakes...too important. You can get them brand new at your local parts store for under a hundred bucks....
Hope this helps,
Mike
It does sound like a booster problem. Maybe a sticking valve in there. Those things can't really be fixed. I have had good luck with used junkyard replacements, but my personal opinoin, you may want to shell out the extra $$$$ and buy a new. I never take chances with my brakes...too important. You can get them brand new at your local parts store for under a hundred bucks....
Hope this helps,
Mike
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 886
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From: Houston/Hope BC
Looks like you'll need to replace it, from reading this, it seems to be a faulty check valve. (Yea, I don't have a lot to do tonight.)
http://www.mustangmonthly.com/techar...78/index3.html
http://www.mustangmonthly.com/techar...78/index3.html
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 669
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From: Crestline, California
I had a new booster installed on my truck when the brakes didn't seem like they had enough power boost. Turned out the seal to the master cylinder was leaking fluid in the booster and it was shot. Replaced both. Not all that expensive, but a great piece of mind knowing that they are new and not used with ? miles on them, etc. I know these old trucks can suck us dry financially, but something like brakes......well, it's a safety issue for me with the big camper I have on mine.
Good luck!
Dak
Good luck!
Dak
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by Mil1ion
I have the instructions for trouble-shooting the brake booster system.
But you only have 4 posts.
But you only have 4 posts.
I would like to take you up on those instructions...having the same problem with my '76 F150 390FE...and the reason I am reading this thread.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Dublin, IN.
Mil1ion,
Okay, I'll bite. What does only having 4 posts have to do with troubleshooting instructions? You may send me a private email or post them here. I will be forever grateful because I will have learned something new.
(Do you remember the digests we used to get in our email everyday from this site?)
Gary-R
Okay, I'll bite. What does only having 4 posts have to do with troubleshooting instructions? You may send me a private email or post them here. I will be forever grateful because I will have learned something new.
(Do you remember the digests we used to get in our email everyday from this site?)
Gary-R
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From: Albuquerque
I think you need "X" amout of post to get full right to the site.
The booster is the only thing that could cause the brake to depress itself and it could be dangerous.
A leaking master cylinder can ruin the booster.
I replace mine as a set last time with parts from NAPA. I believe it was thier "United" line as they have different levels of quality. I have heard of several people having repeat problems with cheaper rebuilt master cylinders.
The booster is the only thing that could cause the brake to depress itself and it could be dangerous.
A leaking master cylinder can ruin the booster.
I replace mine as a set last time with parts from NAPA. I believe it was thier "United" line as they have different levels of quality. I have heard of several people having repeat problems with cheaper rebuilt master cylinders.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Dublin, IN.
Brake booster
Thanks guys, I ordered a new booster tonight. $95.00 plus change. I have already changed the master cylinder, thought that was what was wrong to start with, so these two items will both be new. It's a bummer I'm such a new guy on here. Can't do nothin'. I'm even an ex-ClubFTE'er. From when the digests went down. Mil1ion, with as many posts as you have, surely you remember them.
Gary R
Gary R
Last edited by Gary-R; Aug 9, 2005 at 04:56 PM. Reason: spelling
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