Hydro-boost brake system.
Hydro-boost brake system.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 37
From: Eastern shore,Salisbur,MD
I am in the midle of fixing or rebuilding my booster system. Depending on where you read, mine is a hydro-vac. Meaning, there is a diaphram, coupled to a hydrolic slave cylinder. It is sometimes refered to as a power booster. The master cylinder pushes fluid to the slave cyl. Then the diaphram valve opens and it is easier to apply brakes. Hope this helps Thsi system is on a 54 f=750
JimG
JimG
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
I think the system he was refering to is the hydraulic booster that works off the power steering. Chevy used this system extensively on its heavier pick-ups and Suburbans. Ford used one for a while on some of the larger Town Cars, but I'm not sure what years. I'm surprised that the hot rod market hasn't adopted these because of the small size compared to a vacuum booster. The only downside that I could see to using a hydro-boost setup would be brakes that are really too sensitive.
I have one that was removed from a 78 C3500, and it is identical to the one on my former 91 F450 Super Duty.
I have one that was removed from a 78 C3500, and it is identical to the one on my former 91 F450 Super Duty.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 815
Likes: 29
From: Richland, WA.
Jim, what vehicle is yours off of? I am familiar with the system just not how to rebuild it. My '88 Ch--y 1t has hydroboost thats what got me thinking. I'm going to put a tri-power on my 292 . I don't want the brakes to be vaccuum operated. I want power steering so, why not combine them. Kurt G Y-blocks rule.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
There are a few drawbacks to the hydro-boost system. First is the power loss, a PS pump (can't run the PS and brakes off the same pump) is a 5hp net loss, you're gonna need two of 'em. Second is that if you lose the engine, or it stops running for any reason, you've lost your brakes. Have you ever tried to stop that 1ton chebby without the engine running? It's next to impossible. Why don't you want to use vacuum? Do you have a really radical cam that's gonna lope too bad to get a good pedal feel? You can use a vacuum reservoir (jegs and summit BOTH make large enough ones for brakes) and not lose any horsepower.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
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From: Moro Bay, AR
Originally Posted by pfogle
There are a few drawbacks to the hydro-boost system. a PS pump (can't run the PS and brakes off the same pump)
As to the power boost when engine dies, there is an accumulator that will give you one full power stop and about 1/2 power stop the second time, about the same as you will get with a vacuum booster.
Last edited by mechmagcn; Jul 9, 2007 at 02:10 PM.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 815
Likes: 29
From: Richland, WA.
Actually the hydro boost system has more residule pressure than vacuum. More stops are offered after engine dies with hydro boost. Also hydro boost will run brakes and steering on 1 pump. I just have to make sure what the pump pressure. Chebby did it on 1t (at least my does), ford did it on some of the mustangs, buick did it on grand national. I like the idea of smaller diamater booster. I plan on running a tri power setup, vacuum could be a problem. My 64 T-bird had p/s and fluid drive wipers. I realize there will be hp loss but there will be hp loss no matter what. I somewhere I have a list of ps pumps and ther pressure they deliver. It could not be more sensitive than the early 70's Chrysler products. Kurt G Y-blocks rule.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 815
Likes: 29
From: Richland, WA.
Thanks for the info everybody. Now I have to actually try and get it together, unfortunatally it may be my winter prodject along with .....
Really thanks again. Kurt G. Y-blocks rule.
Really thanks again. Kurt G. Y-blocks rule.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
All the GM systems I ever saw used two pumps, one for the brakes and one for the P/S. I've not seen any ford vehicle with it so I can't claim to know that one. I wouldn't think that one pump would deliver the volume necessary to maintain a good brake and p/s system at the same time. I've bleed the brakes on the hydro-boost system before, without the engine running it's impossible to move the pedal more than 1/8th inch.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 113
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From: Clarksville, TN
I've been using a hydro boost off of a Astro van for a couple of years on my 73 Bronco. I am using the original Ford pump running my PS and brakes. It was a easy swap. All I had to do was to shorten the operating rod and to plumb it into my power steering hoses. I still have brakes with the engine off. This was the best mod I've made yet to my Bronco. It greatly decreased my stopping distance with my 4 wheel drum. The booster was under $20 at my Pull a Part and I used a Chevy truck master cylinder.
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