Brake Booster

[dc3886]

I'm told I'll need to replace my brake booster soon, has anyone had to replace one and if so how much did it cost. I called Toyota and got a price quote on the part and they said it will be $830. I found a remanufactured one online for $200. It looks like it'll be a pain to replace.

[---CAMRAZY---]

I haven't heard of anyone needing to change their Master Brake cylinder....

Who told you that lie?

[dc3886]

My mechanic friend says I have a vaccum leak in my brake booster.

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

How many miles do you have on your car? Usually those last for a long time; someone I knew replaced it for the first time at 201,000 miles and I had to help her drive it to the dealership with a heavy reliance on down-shifting and braking at the last few feet.

Here's a few simple tests:

1. Find a less-frequented stretch of road; if there is light traffic, put your blinkers on. Lightly step on the brakes; does it stay in the same location?

2. With the car stopped and ignition on, step heavily on the brakes and see if it stays in the same location after a minute.

3. With the ignition off, pump the brakes heavily until it only moves about 1/2" and lean on the brake pedal for a minute and see if it sinks or not.

If any of the 3 happen, your friend is honest. If not, sorry; he/she is full of it (I've been given a list of repairs I don't need by a "friend").

[bronzemaxell]

I'm told I'll need to replace my brake booster soon, has anyone had to replace one and if so how much did it cost. I called Toyota and got a price quote on the part and they said it will be $830. I found a remanufactured one online for $200. It looks like it'll be a pain to replace.

$830 sound about right for a new dealer brake booster, i bought an used one on ebay for $25, turn out i don't even need it, in my case, it was the check valve and vaccum hoses at fault, i replced for around $30, problem went away.

[Eye8Pussies]

yup...dealership prices are around there over here in Canada too

and milt- I'd say that master cylinders go a lot more often than boosters....never seen a booster go...but my dad's master cylinder just went a number of months back. but I think it was just a seal inside....not really worth the time to rebuild though.

and unfortunately, I didn't have the time to do the work myself either.

[dc3886]

I only have 81,000 miles on my car so maybe I'll try and replace the valve and hose before I buy the brake booster. I really wouldn't mind saving the money.

[JavaJoe_2]

I bought a check valve from a pick-a-part-salvage yard....cost me a buck.
You can usually see if the lines/rubber is bad