How to Replace the Break Booster on a Chevrolet Silverado

How to Replace the Break Booster on a Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevy Silverado´s braking system operates with disc brakes, which require the use of power brake boosters. Prior to disc brakes, stopping a truck required much more effort compared to the modern systems that take advantage of a vacuum created by the truck´s engine. Just like any truck part, the brake booster undergoes normal wear and tear and can lose its capacity to assist in braking. When this occurs, it is time to replace the brake booster and regain your truck´s braking ability.

Things You'll Need
Socket wrench
Flashlight
Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Lift the hood of the truck and locate the master brake cylinder -- it is located on the firewall, opposite of where the brake pedal is in the cabin of the truck. You can identify the master brake cylinder by the brake lines that are attached to it; these brake lines run from the brake linkage through the truck´s firewall and connect the brake booster to the master brake cylinder. Use a socket wrench to disconnect the master brake cylinder from the firewall, after which you will be able to disconnect the vacuum line that runs into the brake booster -- this will isolate the booster so that it can be removed later.
2. Position yourself under the truck´s dashboard so that you can access the brake pedal. Using a flashlight, look directly above the brake pedal. You will see a small metal plate on the bottom of the dashboard, where the brake linkage connects the brake pedal to the piston of the master brake cylinder. This plate is held to the bottom of the dish with screws -- remove the screws with a screwdriver and pull off the plate.
3. Remove the bolts that are located behind the brake pedal. These bolts hold the brake booster to firewall. Go back under the hood and remove the brake booster and gasket from the firewall. After this, you can install the new gasket and brake booster -- push the gasket and then the brake booster into the firewall where the old booster was located and then go back under the dashboard to secure the booster in place with the bolts that were previously removed.
4. Re-attach the vacuum line to the new brake booster and then bolt the master brake cylinder back onto the firewall. After you have done this, re-attach the metal plate under the dashboard to re-establish the connection between the brake pedal and the master brake cylinder.

How to Bleed Calipers on a 2008 Jeep Wrangler

How to Bleed Calipers on a 2008 Jeep Wrangler

Jeep produced the 2008 Wrangler in the X, Unlimited X, X RHD and Sahara trim levels. All of the Wrangler models were powered by a 202-horsepower, 3.8-liter, fuel-injected V-6 engine. The brake system used a vacuum booster to increase braking power while reducing effort at the pedal, and an anti-lock brake system for safety and improved traction control. Air bubbles trapped in the brake system can lead to spongy brakes and reduced braking performance, and must be purged to restore the brakes to their proper feel and performance.


Things You'll Need
Shop rags
Mopar DOT 3 Brake Fluid, meeting SAE J1703 requirements
Clear vinyl tubing
Open-end wrench
Clean container
Assistant


Instructions
Wipe the top of the brake fluid reservoir with a clean shop rag to remove any road grime that could contaminate the system. Remove the reservoir cap. Add fresh brake fluid until the fluid level reaches the "Full" mark. Pour some fresh fluid into a clean container.

Install a short length of clear vinyl tubing over the right rear caliper bleeder valve nipple. Lead the loose end into the clean container, and submerge the end of the hose in the brake fluid. Fit a six-point, box-end wrench onto the bleeder valve.

Instruct your helper to apply and hold steady pressure on the brake pedal, then open the bleeder valve approximately 1/2 turn to bleed the line. Close the bleeder valve and instruct your helper to release the brake pedal. Observe the fluid stream in the vinyl tubing, and repeat the bleeding process until the stream is clear and free of air bubbles. Top off the fluid level in the reservoir.

Repeat the process on the left rear, right front and left front calipers, in that order. Top off the reservoir between each wheel -- don't let it run dry, or you'll have to start all over. Test the brakes in a safe environment before entering traffic.



Tips & Warnings

DOT 4 brake fluid is an acceptable substitution if DOT 3 fluid is not available.
Do not shake up or agitate the brake fluid bottle before using the fluid. The fluid can hold air bubbles in suspension and make it difficult to bleed the brakes properly.