Power Brake Unit Inspection
- Check the hydraulic brake system for leaks or insufficient fluid.
- With the transmission in Neutral, stop the engine and apply the parking brake. Apply the brake pedal several times to exhaust all vacuum in the system.
- Apply the brake pedal and hold it in the applied position.
- Start the engine.
- If the vacuum system is operating, the brake pedal will tend to move downward under constant foot pressure.
- If no motion is felt, the power brake unit is not functioning. Continue the test with the following steps.
- Remove the vacuum hose from check valve connection.
- Manifold vacuum must be available at the check valve end of the vacuum booster hose with the engine at idle speed and the transmission in Neutral.
- If the manifold vacuum is available to the power brake, connect the vacuum hose to the check valve.
- Repeat Steps 2 and 3 above.
- Check, and if no downward movement of the brake pedal is felt, replace the power brake unit.
- Operate the engine a minimum of 10 seconds at fast idle.
- Stop the engine, and let the vehicle stand for 10 minutes.
- Apply the brake pedal with approximately 89 N (20 lbs) of force. The brake pedal feel should be the same as that noted with the engine operating.
- If the brake pedal feels hard (no power assist), replace the check valve and retest.
- If the brake pedal feels spongy, bleed the hydraulic system to remove air; See BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING/BENCH BLEEDING .