It seems like a never ending saga with my brakes, but at least BB is here to help.

I have had a soft pedal for some time, it is accompanied by a "whooshing" sound, like air escaping when I depress the pedal for the first inch or so. I have read the FAQ, and someone has described the exact same problem. The response is:

"First, visually inspect the vacuum hose and the check valve on the brake booster inside the engine compartment for damage. The valves are plastic and can get brittle over time."

I'm trying to understand what the check valve is, FCP groton lists two separate parts that are called check valves here:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/category-exec/category_id/57/nm/Brake_Booster/sub_top_menu_item/by_make-by_model-by_year/by_make/78/by_model/1141/by_year/41/

The one named "turbo booster check valve" looks like the white plastic piece that is in the engine compartment, can I remove this to look at it? I tried to take it off this weekend, but it didn't budge and I was afraid of breaking it. Is the other "in line check valve" under the other one? Also, when it says "visually inspect", am I just looking for cracks?

Assuming it is not the check valves, it seems the booster diaphragm is to blame. Do I have to remove the Master Cylinder to get this out?

Thanks,
Miceh