So I recently have been chasing brake issues. After some deliberation I decided that my booster had failed so I purchased a used one and installed it. After the install I bleed the system and everything seemed great. Next day I got in the car and the brakes went to the floor and had no stoping power. I checked the brake fluid resiviour and it seemed almost empty. I figured there was still air in the lines that worked its way up and accounted for the drop in fluid level. So I figured I'd top it all off again and attempt another brake bleed. While in the process my helper noticed fluid squirting onto their feet. Arrrrhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

Pulled the MC and booster back out and now notice that my booster is full of fluid. Some of the fluid seems to be trapped inside. Apparently my MC is leaking into the booster and I need a new one. With all that said is there a way to drain the booster and is it still good to use or is it destroyed from filling with brake fluid?

Any and all comments appreciated.

 

UPDATE: I was able to get most of the fluid out of the booster on the engine side but it looks like a good amount is still trapped on the opposite/sealed side. Anyone have an idea on how to get this drained out or is this unit trash?

I was also thinking that I could drill a drain hole as long as it gets plugged before reinstall. Thoughts?

 

if you drill a drain hole you're not going to be able to hold a vacuum in there.

 

I know it wouldn't have vacuum if I drill a hole to drain but I was planing on filling it with JB Weld or some epoxy after. There is probably still about a cup of brake fluid on the sealed side.

 

Just use a turkey baster or better yet, shove an old rag in there

 

i think it's two bolts and a clip to remove the entire thing to clean it properly.

 

Me, I'd replace the entire unit, that brake fluid is extremely hard on rubber parts (booster diaphragm).

Brian.

 

With the booster back out of the car i was able to shake and pump the booster to remove most of the fluid from the sealed side. Im pretty confident that I got most of it out but not all of it. Finally assembled today with a new brake master cylinder and after the long brake bleeding process all seems to be working.

The only thing that I don't like is this booster is making a hissing noise when getting depressed. More so when pressed down on fast but working as it should be. Just an observation that my original unit did not make this noise. Anyone else have brakes/bosters that make this noise when getting depressed?

 

Sounds like your booster is leaking vacuum internally. Replace it.

EDIT: Two places you do not compromise the performance or safety of the vehicle...and those are...steering and brake components. You are not only putting yourself in danger...but others also.

Brian.

 

When I accidentally got brake fluid in the booster on my truck while reinstalling the master cylinder I installed one from a boneyard truck because I could go get it that same day. That was just under 7 years ago and all is well. Inexpensive, and easy to install.