How to Replace the Brake Booster on a 1998 Surburban

The brake booster on a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban assists the master cylinder in pushing the brake fluid to the brakes. This booster makes applying force to the pedal substantially easier, and should it fail, then the brakes will become very difficult to apply. Should that happen, you need to replace the brake booster as soon as possible with a new one so that you don't risk getting into an accident.

Instructions

1

Park the Suburban and put on the parking brake. Look underneath the dash and find the connection from the brake booster to the top of the brake pedal. Take off the clip that holds the pedal to the linkage with your hands. Unbolt the brake booster from the firewall with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.

2

Unbolt the master cylinder from the booster with an open-end wrench. Pull the master cylinder off of the booster, then pull the vacuum line off of the brake booster. Take the booster away from the engine bay and discard it.

3

Install the replacement booster onto the Suburban and bolt it in place with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Reconnect the brake pedal to the brake booster with the factory clip.

4

Mount the master cylinder on the booster with the open-end wrench and the factory bolts. Plug the vacuum line into the check valve on the replacement booster. Pump the brakes several times with your foot with the engine running to verify that the booster builds vacuum.