Hi Guys,

My 82 242 (gas not diesel) appears to be having classic brake booster problems: hard pedal, poor braking, and a whooshing sound from booster area when hood is up and engine running. I have a couple of questions in this regard.

First, I was wondering if there was any straightforward way of checking the servo to see if it is the check value or the booster (internal seals?) that has failed without taking things apart?

Second, I was wondering if you had recommendations for best after market replacement units? I have heard that Bendix and Lockheed units are good. (Volvo indicates that they want about 600 bucks for the servo alone.) What do you suggest?

Third, the master cylinder was replaced about 5 years ago, doesn't appear to be leaking externally or internally, but I wonder if it is still best to replace this unit anyway given that things are going to be disassembled.

Thanks, Dave

Yes, classic! Definitely the booster unit, not the check valve.

Plug the vacuum line until you can get a booster replacement. Your brake pedal will be hard, but you won't have a massive vacuum leak. I'm driving my 260Z like that currently and have gotten used to it, but sooner or later I'll fix the booster. You've don't have reduced braking -- you just have to push harder.

Dunno about alternative vendors. Maybe some other folks will pipe up.

You're call on the master cylinder. I'd expect a master cylinder to go 10-20 years if brake fluid is changed every 2 years.

Later,
Al

Al,

Thanks for that. A couple of questions though. First, what did you plug the vacuum line with? I assume that you plugged it going into the booster. Did you also plug the vacuum input line (I assume that that is what we are talking about)?

I have always heard that the booster simply made braking easier. However, even with increased pedal presure I would swear that I have much less stopping power. Does this suggest a brake problem beyond the booster to you? Thanks.

Dave