Recently, I’ve been having issues with my brakes and I had my father take a look at it. He said that my brake booster is leaking. I thought it would be cool to follow in my dad’s footsteps and try and fix the issue myself. Is there a way I can fix a leaking brake booster on my own?

Chloe Jenkins · Updated on Jan 28, 2022

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Getting more involved in your

car’s maintenance

is always a great idea. If your brake booster is leaking, you will need to replace the vacuum hose. This is not considered an extremely difficult process, but it may be too involved for a novice. Before getting started you should always take proper safety precautions to protect yourself and those around you.

If you feel like you can handle the job, you will need the following supplies to get started:

Carjack

Lug nut wrench

Jack stands

Adjustable wrench

A bowl or tray

Vacuum hose

Brake fluid

Drain pan

Now that you have everything you need, you can get started fixing your leaking brake booster by following these steps:

Park your car on a flat surface and

jack your car up

then secure it with the stands. For the best jacking position, check your owner’s manual.

Use the lug nut wrench to remove your tires to gain access to your brake housing. Set the lug nuts aside in your tray or bowl to keep them together.

Locate the brake master cylinder on the top of your brake assembly; remove the nuts and take the cylinder off.

Take the vacuum hose out. This will be located behind the master cylinder and will be held in place by a nut that can be removed with your wrench.

Bring this hose to your local auto parts store to purchase a matching hose.

Install the new vacuum hose and reconnect the brake line then the nut that holds the hose.

Return the cylinder to its original position and replace the nuts.

Bleed your brake lines by opening the bleeding nut on the back of the assembly to allow the liquid to flow into a drain pan.

Close your bleeding nut and open your brake fluid reservoir located under the hood.

Add brake fluid

to your reservoir.

Replace your tires and lower your car.

If this process seems too involved or complicated, take your car to a mechanic to have this procedure done professionally. Although the process can be pricey, the savings you find on the

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