Brake booster: operation, maintenance and price

The brake booster is part of your braking system. Attached to the brake pedal with levers and rods. The brake booster is used to provide up to XNUMX times the braking power thanks to the hydraulic system. This is not really a wearing part, but it can break. Then it needs to be changed.

🚗 What is a brake booster?

Le servo brake is part of your braking system, just like master cylinderthen plateletsи brake discsor wheel cylinders. The brake booster attaches directly to the brake pedal for up to ten times more braking.

There are several types of brake booster. The most common is the vacuum brake booster. It consists of 3 parts:

• One Pumps ;
• Un setting group ;
• Un pneumatic housing.

Levers and rods connect the brake booster to the pedals. In this system, the braking efficiency is increased tenfold by the action of a vacuum in the intake ducts and the engine.

Specifically, when you press the brake pedal,brake oil will be transferred to the hydraulic circuit, which will thus allow your vehicle to brake. A small cylinder located inside the control group will also simultaneously be driven by oil and cause the valve to open.

One day this valve open, air passes through the filter and then enters one of the brake booster vacuum chambers. In this way, one chamber is maintained at low pressure and the other at atmospheric pressure, which creates an action that increases braking tenfold.

🔍 What are the symptoms of a brake booster malfunction?

There are no specific guidelines on when to replace the brake booster: it is not really a wearing part. Instead, we advise you to check the condition of the brake pedal because it usually reflects wear on the brake booster.

Several symptoms can alert you to brake booster wear:

• You feel that the brakes do not release correctly;
• You hear air hiss when you step on the pedal;
• Your brake pedal slack ;
• you press the brake pedal hard ;
• You feel vibration on the pedals when braking.

If you see any of these symptoms, your brake booster is likely jammed or damaged. Therefore, you should contact your mechanic as soon as possible so as not to risk it.

⚙️ How to change the brake booster?

Replacing the brake booster is not a difficult undertaking, but it takes quite a lot of time. Only experienced mechanics can safely take on the replacement of the brake booster. Otherwise, heading to your garage to have your car's brake booster replaced is highly recommended.

Required material:

• Brake fluid
• Toolbox

Step 1. Change the brake fluid.

First of all, you will have to change the brake fluid. This operation is not very difficult. To find out how to change brake fluid, you can read our dedicated article.

Step 2. Disassemble the brake booster.

Remove the master cylinder first and then remove the cover located behind the brake pedal. Then remove the brake pedal. Disassemble the pushrod to gain access to the brake booster and loosen the brake booster mounts. You can now disassemble the brake booster.

Step 3: Install the new brake booster

After removing the brake booster, you must assemble a new one. Remember to always check that these are the same model. Then install the new brake booster and tighten the mounting screws. Then reassemble the removed parts such as the tappet, the cover behind the brake pedal, the master cylinder, etc.

Step 4: Fill with brake fluid

Then fill the brake circuit with new brake fluid. Test the brake pedal by depressing it several times. Finally, test the system after driving a few kilometers. Your brake booster is now changed!

💰 How much does it cost to replace a brake booster?

The cost of replacing a brake booster is highly dependent on your car model and therefore on the brake booster used. Count on average 100 € for the part to which it is necessary to add the cost of labor, which will be higher or lower, depending on the complexity of the intervention.

For a more accurate estimate, you can check the prices for the best garages around your home thanks to our platform. It's simple, you just need to enter your plate number and the intervention you want and Vroomly offers you a comparison of the best quotes in minutes!