How to Check Leaks for Power Brake Boosters

The automobile's brake booster's main function is to give the vehicle maximum braking power with minimal pressure applied to the brake pedal. The brake booster primarily functions on the vacuum system of the vehicle. If the vacuum system is working properly, the booster pushes into the master cylinder when pressure is applied to the brake pedal, allowing the car to come to a stop. If there is an issue with the vacuum system, the car will still have brakes, but it will take a much greater effort on the pedal to stop the vehicle.

Instructions

1

Get into the car and start the engine. Without applying any pressure to the brake pedal, allow the car to idle for 60 seconds.

2

Turn the engine off after the one-minute idling time has passed, and allow the car to rest with the engine off for an additional minute.

3

Push on the brake pedal and release several times. If the vehicle's vacuum system is working properly, each push of the brake pedal should get harder to press to the floor. If there is a leak in the vacuum system, the pedal will continue to travel to the floor with no resistance.