How to Replace the Brake Booster in a C1500

The brake booster on a Chevrolet C1500 takes the vacuum power from the engine and converts it into extra braking power for the brake master cylinder. If the brake booster fails, the brakes will still work, but they will be substantially more difficult to activate. To fix the problem, the brake booster must be removed from the truck, and then a replacement model must be installed. This should take about an hour to do.

Instructions

1

Pop the hood. Pull off the vacuum line on the brake booster, which is located on the driver's side of the firewall. Unbolt the master cylinder from the brake booster using an open-end wrench.

2

Look underneath the dash and find the end of the brake pedal where the brake booster linkage connects to the pedal. Remove the clip holding the linkage to the pedal with the flat head screwdriver. Unbolt the four bolts holding the booster to the firewall with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket and 3/8-inch universal joint.

3

Pull the brake booster off of the firewall with both hands and discard it. Put the replacement brake booster onto the firewall and slide the master cylinder over the studs on the booster. Loosely install the nuts onto the master cylinder.

4

Connect the brake linkage to the pedal using the factory clip, then bolt the booster to the firewall with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket and 3/8-inch universal joint.

5

Push the vacuum line onto the booster with your hands. Tighten up the master cylinder to the brake booster using an open-end wrench.