How to Inspect a Brake Power Booster

Your car's braking system is one of the most important systems in your vehicle, contributing to the safety of you and those around you. The power booster is a main component of the power braking system and needs to be routinely maintained and inspected often.

Instructions

1

Know where the brake power booster is located. In most vehicles, the power booster is located between the firewall and the master cylinder. It utilizes atmospheric pressure to provide assistance to the braking system. ABS is also part of this system.

2

Perform a series of checks on the power booster system. First, depress the brake pedal and start the engine with the pedal down. If the pedal goes down slightly after the engine starts, it is operating normally. Depress the pedal a few more times while the engine is running to make sure there is no change in the resistance.

3

Check the air tightness by starting the engine and letting it run for a couple of minutes, then turn it off and depress the brake pedal. See if the pedal goes down further the first time you press it down, then gradually less each time after. If so, the booster is air tight.

4

Access the power booster by removing the master cylinder and everything on the way to it. Be careful not to kink or unhook the brake lines. You simply want to get in there and look for physical signs of excessive corrosion, any damage or other debris.