Hydroboost help
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
From: dallastown pa
Sorry I said saginaw when I met bendix again bendix would be the brand but certain models from that brand might me designed to fit a certain brand or make of vehicle making the mod easier.
So can any one tell me what the brake operating pressure range is for a standard power brake system? Also what is the operating pressure on the hydro boost system? How are you guys figuring out what valves you need to drop the pressure down to keep from blowing things?
So can any one tell me what the brake operating pressure range is for a standard power brake system? Also what is the operating pressure on the hydro boost system? How are you guys figuring out what valves you need to drop the pressure down to keep from blowing things?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
The brakes operating rang is the same. This pressure comes from the master cylinder. Assistance to push the piston in the master is done by a vacuum booster, or in this case a hydraulic assisted device (hydro-boost).
This means that the master cylinder is still providing the same amount of brake pressure, or maybe slightly more because it has greater assistance with thee hydraulic set-up, but this only means it will take less foot pressure to activate the brakes at the same or equal rate.
The reason for some regulators, like an adjustable prop valve, would be if a 4wheel disc conversion has been done, and the better brakes out back start to lock up to early. Somce brake pressure has to be reduced at the rear. Adjustables are cheap, and easy to install.
Other restrictors would be in the seperate hydraulic system, if the steering box, or in some cases rack and pinion is not designed to withstand the higher pressures the saginaw pump is capable of outputing.
I believe I posted a link that covered this a few posts ago.
This means that the master cylinder is still providing the same amount of brake pressure, or maybe slightly more because it has greater assistance with thee hydraulic set-up, but this only means it will take less foot pressure to activate the brakes at the same or equal rate.
The reason for some regulators, like an adjustable prop valve, would be if a 4wheel disc conversion has been done, and the better brakes out back start to lock up to early. Somce brake pressure has to be reduced at the rear. Adjustables are cheap, and easy to install.
Other restrictors would be in the seperate hydraulic system, if the steering box, or in some cases rack and pinion is not designed to withstand the higher pressures the saginaw pump is capable of outputing.
I believe I posted a link that covered this a few posts ago.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
From: dallastown pa
I read the link you gave and it talks nothing about if the pressure is the same or if it causes any increased pressures or any thing like that. So by my questions and your answers it lets less for others to ponder.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 13
From: Kincardine, ON
Just dropped by the Ford dealer in town and we looked up '04 Superduty Hydroboost/master cylinder sets for the F250, 350 & 450. It's the same part number with only cruise control as a difference (in part number). Makes looking for a donor easier.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
Hopefully something simple like that! Thanks for the quick reply! It is tough to find a newer truck without cruise control nowadays.
I am really considering this mod-changed everything except the power booster-and locating a new or rebuild doesn't seem too easy. My brakes work ok-but having really good brakes would be nice.
I am really considering this mod-changed everything except the power booster-and locating a new or rebuild doesn't seem too easy. My brakes work ok-but having really good brakes would be nice.
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: near Liverpool, England
If your brakes work ok, why fix sumthin' that's not broken??? You just like to create stress for yourself? 
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Maybe it's just me - but I'm not really a fan of "wokrs ok" when it comes to things like brakes. Since they never really worked "well" (sure they stop the trucks - but not very well) from the factory - why not upgrade to something that will actually "work well"
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
Didn't get an answer earlier... if my brakes are shot, and my power steering is shot, what kind of components would I need for a hydroboost setup and how much more would it be over repairing my current problems?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 13
From: Kincardine, ON
Well for the hydroboost you can look at this: eBay Motors: 99-07 FORD SUPERDUTY EXCURSION HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER (item 180265553279 end time Jul-22-08 08:58:46 PDT)
If you win the auction just ask for a complete '04 Superduty setup, hydroboost and master cylinder). There's some mod work required so depending on your skill at fab work or farming it out needs to be tallied.
The can style Ford pump will be enough, then some custom lines (price varies depending on who you find). The rest of the upgrade is optional (using Danny Cabrals article in the Tech section) , you can restore your stock brakes or do the thunderbird calipers, slotted rotors and custom lines; again price varies depending on your supplier. Rear brakes are again your choice; stock rebuild, one ton cylinders or discs.
Not a very specific answer but you can see the options are numerous, look at what you'll really use the truck for and how much you want to spend. Make a list of the parts and price out the parts then you can see what option best fits.
I'm far from an expert, just trying to pass on lessons learned to save you money.
If you win the auction just ask for a complete '04 Superduty setup, hydroboost and master cylinder). There's some mod work required so depending on your skill at fab work or farming it out needs to be tallied.
The can style Ford pump will be enough, then some custom lines (price varies depending on who you find). The rest of the upgrade is optional (using Danny Cabrals article in the Tech section) , you can restore your stock brakes or do the thunderbird calipers, slotted rotors and custom lines; again price varies depending on your supplier. Rear brakes are again your choice; stock rebuild, one ton cylinders or discs.
Not a very specific answer but you can see the options are numerous, look at what you'll really use the truck for and how much you want to spend. Make a list of the parts and price out the parts then you can see what option best fits.
I'm far from an expert, just trying to pass on lessons learned to save you money.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I used my stock pump and there seems to be OK brakes and steering but it is whining more than it used to. I put a clear line on the booster return into a bucket and tried to perge it with the motor turning over but not starting. it doesnt seem to be any different.is this a pump size problem or am i lazy and need to keep bleeding the system
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Hydra-tech kit for hydroboost
Hi All -
I've been running a kit from Hydratech that is incredible. The kit was very complete and included the right size/length lines. Their tech. support is good as well. I tried different pads, different boosters (including a double diaphragm vacuum booster) and nothing stopped the truck to my satisfaction until I spent the $$$ on hydroboost. I could have put together the parts in the kit and saved some dough, but the kit went in in an afternoon and the truck was back on the road without multiple trips to the parts store and the local pick 'n pull.
My truck is a '75 Crew w/ a Cummins conversion and I pull doubles with it (26' 5th wheel and a utility trailer with 3 ATV's on it). I take my wife and 3 kids camping in the Colorado mountains and I wanted no compromises as far as my ability to stop. The hydroboost unit has an accumulator that allows a couple assisted brake applications in the event that your power steering pump or belt fails. My truck also has a Pac-brake installed in the exhaust, but I now feel very safe trailering and being able to make a fast panic stop.
Later,
Jeff
I've been running a kit from Hydratech that is incredible. The kit was very complete and included the right size/length lines. Their tech. support is good as well. I tried different pads, different boosters (including a double diaphragm vacuum booster) and nothing stopped the truck to my satisfaction until I spent the $$$ on hydroboost. I could have put together the parts in the kit and saved some dough, but the kit went in in an afternoon and the truck was back on the road without multiple trips to the parts store and the local pick 'n pull.
My truck is a '75 Crew w/ a Cummins conversion and I pull doubles with it (26' 5th wheel and a utility trailer with 3 ATV's on it). I take my wife and 3 kids camping in the Colorado mountains and I wanted no compromises as far as my ability to stop. The hydroboost unit has an accumulator that allows a couple assisted brake applications in the event that your power steering pump or belt fails. My truck also has a Pac-brake installed in the exhaust, but I now feel very safe trailering and being able to make a fast panic stop.
Later,
Jeff
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 0
From: Northeast Nebraska
Great thread...very informative as long as everyone stays on topic.
Right now Im thinking hydroboost looks like a good idea for me. Im about to install a 429 in my 78 SC 4x4. Ive got the tall valve covers so I hydroboost looks like and affordable and timely upgrade. You guys make this sound pretty easy to install. I only have 2 questions:
1. Where is the accumulator/reservior in the Superduty's located? I havent i dentified it in any of the pics Ive seen so far.
2. What are the disadvantages to running a regular (non-saginaw) ps pump? Mine works fine right now and I dont want to replace it if it isnt broken. I hope someone answers Taylor78's question.
Right now Im thinking hydroboost looks like a good idea for me. Im about to install a 429 in my 78 SC 4x4. Ive got the tall valve covers so I hydroboost looks like and affordable and timely upgrade. You guys make this sound pretty easy to install. I only have 2 questions:
1. Where is the accumulator/reservior in the Superduty's located? I havent i dentified it in any of the pics Ive seen so far.
2. What are the disadvantages to running a regular (non-saginaw) ps pump? Mine works fine right now and I dont want to replace it if it isnt broken. I hope someone answers Taylor78's question.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
From: dallastown pa
The accumulator reservor is built into the brake booster it self in some pictures you see a round cylinder sticking out of the booster this is the accumulator. There is a link that explains how this works and trouble shooting check out the drawings. the link is in post 22
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf030542.htm
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf030542.htm