1995 Chrysler Le Baron Do you think it's my power booster?

LIL-BIT

MEMBER
1995 CHRYSLER LE BARON

Brakes problem
1995 Chrysler Le Baron 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I just changed my front brake pads, When I bled the brakes (ooops) I let the reservoir get a lil too low. I noticed it fairly quickly, and re-bled them. Only now when I'm finished all is good, the brakes are solid no swoosh sound. Until I turn the engine on. The brakes go all the way to the floor with a swooshing sound. When I let up on the brakes its the same sound. I'm thinking it's my power booster. Do you think the same thing?

5 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

To check the vacuum booster, pump the brake pedal with the engine off until you've bled off all the vacuum from the unit. Then hold the pedal down and start the engine. You should feel the pedal depress slightly as engine vacuum enters the booster and pulls on the diaphragm. No change? Then check the vacuum hose connection and engine vacuum. If okay, the problem is in the booster and the booster needs to be replaced.

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Sunday, August 16th, 2009 AT 10:28 PM

LIL-BIT

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4 POSTS

Tried doing that. When I turn on the engine the brake pedal makes a swooshing noise and heads straight to the floor, but with some resistance (not much). It makes the same noise when I let the pedal up.I can hear it where the pedal goes thru the firewall. I read a few posts and one said to check for air bubbles in the mc resevior. Yep, I have them.

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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 1:14 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

If the brake booster is not leaking and the brake check valve is okay-replace the master cyliner

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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 3:57 PM

LIL-BIT

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4 POSTS

Thank you. I'm on my way to get a master cylinder. I have the Chiltons book for instructions on removal and installation. I'll let you know how it goes. I am a returning grad student. Education. Not mechanics. Which is why I can not afford a garage. However. My school money will be in around the second week of Sept.I won't forget your help and I will be making my donation at that time.

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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 6:37 PM

LIL-BIT

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Completely weird.I bought and installed the MC. And experienced the same problem. So I decided to go ahead and change out the power booster. When I had it completely removed I noticed the leak was between the booster and the firewall. Guess I was right after all. The power booster was bad, Not a pat on the back. But, I do love when I can troubleshoot the problem. Along with your help I was able to get my car back on the road. Safely.

P.S. OMGosh. If my booster ever goes bad in any of my other cars>>>>>>>someone else can do it. Lol
I now understand why cars are referred to as she's. Mine was. Stubborn-she, scratched me all up-and did not give in without some diligent coaxing. Read it with laughter>>>>
I'm 46 (Friday), about a buck 35, I'm 5'3" (on my tippie toes).I've been working on my cars for 30 yrs. But this job made me feel like I just had a he-man workout.

Best to you. And thanks for your help.