How to Repair a Brake Booster in a 1985 Ford Escort

The power brake booster on a Ford Escort works by harnessing the vacuum created by the vehicle's engine. This not only increases the force applied to the brakes, but also lessens the distance the brake pedal must to travel. If your brakes begin to feel like they don't engage until the pedal is almost to the floor, it could be a sign that your brake booster needs to be replaced.

Instructions

Removal

1

Disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery terminal, by loosening the retaining bolt and removing the clamp from the negative battery terminal.

2

Remove the lower trim panel. It will be located inside the passenger compartment, below the steering column.

3

Locate the brake pedal pushrod. It will be inside the vehicle connected to the brake pedal. Remove the retaining clip from the end of the pushrod and disengage the pushrod from the brake pedal.

4

Disconnect the vacuum line from the brake booster. Use a pair of pliers to spread the spring clip and slide it away from the booster. Then pull the vacuum line off the fitting.

5

Remove the two bolts that connect the master cylinder to the brake booster.

6

Carefully slide the master cylinder forward. Be careful not to damage the steel brake lines attached to the master cylinder.

7

Remove the four bolts that connect the brake booster to the firewall. You may need an assistant working from the inside of the vehicle to hold the nuts while you remove the bolts.

8

Remove the brake booster from the vehicle.

Installation

9

Slide the brake booster into position.

10

Reinstall the four bolts and nuts that connect the brake booster to the firewall.

11

Slide the master cylinder into position against the brake booster and reinstall the two bolts that secure it.

12

Reconnect the vacuum line to the brake booster and reinstall the spring clip that retains it.

13

Slide the brake pedal pushrod into the hole on the brake pedal and reinstall the retaining clip.

14

Reinstall the lower trim panel beneath the steering column.

15

Reconnect the ground cable to the negative battery terminal.