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How do you fix a brake booster leak?
The brake pedal in my car has been acting a bit funky recently. My uncle, a retired mechanic, says it could be caused by a brake booster leak. Is there a way I can fix a brake booster leak at home?
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! Brakes are an important part of a car, so getting the leak fixed as soon as possible is vital. To fix a brake booster leak, you need to replace the vacuum hose, which makes the connection between your car’s master cylinder and the brakes themselves. You can perform the maintenance yourself but it helps to have prior mechanical experience.
If you feel you’re ready to take on the challenge, you’ll need:
- Replacement vacuum hose
- Car jack and jack stands
- Lug nut wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Brake fluid
- Drain pan
Once you have all your tools and supplies, you should:
- Park on a flat surface,jack up your car, and secure it with the jack stands. If you’re not sure where to place the jack, consult your owner’s manual.
- Remove the tires and brake covers using your lug nut wrench.
- Locate and remove the brake master cylinder. Typically, the master cylinder is at the top of the brake assembly.
- Remove the damaged vacuum hose located behind the master cylinder. This can be done by removing the nut, sliding the hose out from the brake housing, and disconnecting it from the brake line.
- Install the new vacuum hose by reconnecting the brake line and replacing the nut that holds it in place.
- Slide the brake cylinder back in place and replace the nuts keeping it securely in place.
- Bleed the brake lines to release any trapped air by opening the bleeding nut on the back of the assembly. Once the liquid comes out, close the bleeding nut and add brake fluid as necessary.
- Replace the brake covers and tires, then lower your car off the jack and jack stands.
If you decide the job might be a bit too much to handle on your own, you should visit a mechanic to have the brakes professionally serviced.
Finally, you can make the cost of your repairs a bit more manageable by using
Jerry
to save on your car insurance
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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