How to Replace a Vacuum Booster on a 1997 Ford F350

A 1997 Ford F-350 is designed to tow large loads, and as a result, needs as much stopping power as it can get. One way it accomplishes that is with a vacuum operated brake booster mounted between the brake pedal and the firewall. These boosters need a complete seal to function properly, because otherwise the booster can't keep the vacuum contained. If your booster fails, then you should replace it with a new one as soon as possible.

Instructions

1

Open up the hood. Remove the master cylinder's mounting nuts from the booster with an open-end wrench. Remove the vacuum line on the booster with your hands. Pull the master cylinder carefully off of the brake booster and let it suspend by the brake lines.

2

Look under the dash to find the linkage on the brake booster which is mounted to the brake pedal. Take off the stoplight switch retaining pin, then remove the stoplight switch and the booster linkage off of the pin on the brake pedal with your hands. Pull off the sound deadening material on the firewall with your hands, then unbolt the booster from the firewall with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.

3

Grab the brake booster with both hands and maneuver it carefully away from the firewall. Insert the replacement booster into the firewall, then bolt it down with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Reinstall the sound deadening material over the brake booster linkage, then install the linkage and stoplight switch to the brake pedal pin. Reinstall the stoplight switch retaining pin.

4

Bolt the master cylinder onto the booster with an open-end wrench and plug the vacuum line onto the booster. Shut the hood.