I started my car this morning and noticed it seemed to hit a higher idle than normal for a few seconds before it settled down. As I backed out of my garage I soon found out why, my power brakes are gone!

I popped the hood and checked the vacuum hose, it's still connected although I can't rule out a crack in it somewhere. I'll have to check it all over with a vacuum gauge when I get home, but I'm afraid that my 21 year old brake booster has just given up the ghost.

I vaguely remember people saying that the parts store boosters are crap, and they go out fairly quickly. My local parts stores offer Cardone brand, which carries a lifetime warranty. Are they really completely junk?

Does anybody know of a metal booster for these cars? Mine is a '92. Also any tips and tricks for replacement? Looks like a PITA.

Thanks in advance!

Check RockAuto.com... I think I will, too!

Check it with the vacuum gauge... but the check valves are bigger problems.

The hoses failing? Never heard of that, but these are getting older, now.

I checked RockAuto, they have new AC Delco for $347, less our standard 5% discount... they also have a Rayspestos check valve for $22...

I am betting that the check valve has checked out.

A trick? Wrap the booster in heat shielding. I hear that helps a lot!

Stay away from CARDONE.

And there's no metal one available.

oh, forgot... the had an ACDelco reman for about the same $$ as the Cardone part.

I have no idea of it's quality.

I didn't have time to dig out my vacuum pump but I did pull the check valve out of the booster. I can suck through it and not blow through it, so I'd say it's good. The hose didn't have any obvious cracks or holes in it. I just left it out and capped off the vacuum port on the intake. The startup RPM's are where they are supposed to be now.

I'd say that makes it fairly definitive that it's the booster.

A good friend of mine works at the local chevy dealer, he's off today but he's gonna check tomorrow to see what his cost is.

The only other non-cardone I have found is the NAPA brand. Anybody have any experience with them?

no experience with NAPA, and the same goes with the AC rebuild.

However, GM did used to sell a rebuild kit for these... check if that is still available.

When mine gives up, I will hopefully be able to afford the new GM part, and then wrap it in starter wrap. I hear that helps a ton to keep it cool. You don't need to wrap all the way around, just the inner 2/3rds.

My friend is able to get me the AC Delco unit for $310 so I told him to go ahead and order it. If it were a little easier to change I might consider a reman, but for this particular part I think OEM is best. If I can get another 21 years out of it I'll be happy!

I'll definitely be putting some heat wrap on it. It can't hurt but I'm willing to bet this wasn't a heat related failure. I've only been running long tube headers for about 11 years! I guess that ceramic coating really works.

I did ask, but unfortunately my friend did not find a listing for a self installing brake booster.

self installing would be cool.

If you plan on doing it yourself I have an old tech thread with some tips.

Awesome. I was going to look at that but it seems the link to the tech library is broken, not so awesome.

I figure it's not too bad... remove the body side panel and the battery, possibly the ECM. Remove the driver's side dash panel, break your spine trying to bend over the hump backwards, etc, etc.

Booster arrived at the dealership this morning. I'll pick it up either today or tomorrow depending on how long my last class takes.

Unbolt and remove the driver's side seat.

Then impale my spine on the driver's side seat bolt.....

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Remove the seat like Andy said.

Then use a 10 in. high step stool ($5 at Home D.) placed up against the rocker panel to sit on (furniture pads or pillows help a bit).

Thanks for the tip. As you can probably figure out, I want to do this job about as much as I'd like to take a kick in the crotch.

Seems like I moved a lot better when I bought the car 12 years ago.

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Put down a thick towel on the floor.