howdy--

When I bought my 62 p1800 last year the brake booster had been previously disabled (has a vacuum leak, I suppose...) which requires significant pedal pressure to stop the car. My right leg now has excellent muscle tone, but now, a year later, it's losing brake fluid and needs to be replenished every two days, after which it requires about three pumps before the brakes grab and the thing stops. It's a horrible way to drive in the city. AHH! TRUCK! pumppumppumpSTOP *whew* (pant pant) Close one! (Check shorts for unwanted deposits).

So here are some questions:

* Did the added pressure required to stop the car all year long cause something to burst, hence the leak?

* I added a synthtic brake fluid I got at the gas station where the problem first arose; It was either that (it says "approoved for DOT 3 and DOT 4), or a DOT 3 fluid which I've heard is too corrosive and not recommended for Volvos. Is this synthetic stuff causing more problems?

* Does anybody have any experience with rebuilding the booster?

* Does anyone know a good laundromat?

Thanks,
Ben