Brake booster replacement from $995
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Brake booster replacement
Brake booster replacement cost
Are you finding the brake pedal is feeling a little different? Is it stiffer than usual and you need to apply more pressure to brake? This could be due to a failed brake booster.
It is easy to diagnose if the brake booster is not operating correctly.
With the engine off, pump the brake pedal a few times and then apply pressure to the pedal and start the engine. If your foot drops a few centimetres, then the brake booster is working. If the pedal doesn’t drop then the brake booster has failed.
So how much will a brake booster set you back? Factor in anywhere around $200 to $500 for a replacement. Costs can vary and do depend on your particular vehicle.
What is a brake booster?
A brake booster assists the driver by increasing the braking force, making it easier to slow or stop a vehicle.
The brake booster multiplies the pressure you exert on the brake pedal and that assisted force is then transferred to the brake master cylinder where pistons push brake fluid through the brake lines to the brake calipers.
The brake booster is connected to the firewall inside the engine bay. It looks like a big fat disc. It works by utilising vacuum from your engine. If you have a diesel engine the vacuum is created via a vacuum pump.
Inside the brake booster is a diaphragm, this segments atmospheric air from the vacuum. Applying pressure to the brake pedal forces more atmospheric pressure into the booster, creating a greater force.
A rod attached to the brake booster connects to your brake pedal through a hole in the firewall. When you push on the brake pedal, this rod is pushed inside the brake booster to commence the brake system function.
Symptoms the brake booster needs replacing
- Excessive pressure when braking
- Hard brake pedal
- Limited braking
How is the brake booster replaced
When replacing brake components it is best to have a qualified technician carry out this work. They will do the following:
- Locate brake booster in the engine compartment
- Remove the vacuum hose from the brake booster and remove the brake lines from the master cylinder
- Remove the master cylinder from the brake booster
- Disconnect the brake pedal from the booster rod and loosen the brake booster bolts on the firewall
- Remove brake booster
- Install new brake booster
- Tighten bolts and reconnect brake pedal
- Reinstall master cylinder and reconnect brake lines and vacuum hose
- Bleed brakes, check brake fluid levels and test operation
Tips to remember
Always check the brake fluid and operation of the brakes after replacing any brake components before you drive on the road.
If you notice your brake pedal is feeling different have a professional look at your brakes as soon as possible.
How important is replacing the brake booster?
When your brake booster fails you will still have manual brakes, the booster just won’t be assisting your foot pressure, so it will be harder to stop.
Not being able to stop safely should keep you off the road. You shouldn’t drive with faulty brakes. If you do, you run the risk of being involved in an accident.
