How to Replace a 1982 GMC 3500's Brake Booster

A 1982 GMC 3500 pickup is designed to pull very heavy loads, and has a dual rear wheel setup in the axle to help with that capacity. Because of the heavy loads involved, the brake booster plays an important part in stopping the vehicle. If the brake booster fails, then the truck will still be able to stop, but it will become substantially more difficult to depress the pedal. To fix the problem, you need to replace the booster with a new one, which should take about an hour.

Instructions

1

Pop the hood on the GMC. Unbolt the brake master cylinder from the brake booster. Slide the master cylinder off of the studs on the booster, being careful not to kink the metal brake lines on the master cylinder. Unplug the vacuum line connected to the booster using your hands.

2

Open the driver's door. Unbolt the brake booster linkage from the brake pedal with an open-end wrench and the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the four bolts holding the brake booster to the firewall with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.

3

Pull the brake booster off of the firewall. Put the replacement brake booster onto the firewall. Move to the interior and bolt the booster to the firewall with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then bolt the linkage to the pedal with an open-end wrench and the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.

4

Bolt the master cylinder to the booster with an open-end wrench. Push the vacuum line onto the booster. Shut the hood and shut the driver's side door.