Brakes are non-existent. wonderful

[hockeyman]

"Black box" meaning the brake booster? There is a little plastic piece at the start of the hose coming from it. It's called a "vacuum check valve". Inspect that before going any further. If it has a slight crack in it, it will be the cause of all your problems. If you are going to pull the booster, look into a chilton's or haynes book for the removal procedure. It's not that hard to remove if you have basic automotive knowledge.
My MAF screen has a bit of oil on it too. I use the K&N recharge kit to clean my filter, and a little oil escapes onto the maf screen. No biggy.

[jc Kyle]

gotcha.. gonna check out the vacuum check valve.. btw... i'm finding it difficult to put the hose into the brake booster without it popping out.. i don't remember this type of difficulty before when using seafoam.. just thought I'd mention it.. but yeah... i'll keep this thread updated, thx alot for your help hockeyman

[jc Kyle]

checked the valve.. nothing wrong with it.. gotta open the mother f'er.. sigh.. keep ya updated

[saved1]

I got a brake booster from the junk yard about five years ago, paid 50 bucks for it, (S-10 pick-up). You can try and replace the bladder, but I think it is easier to just repace the whole unit. Chiltons will tell you how to remove it.

[jc Kyle]

how can i tell the bladder is busted when i open it? will it be obvious? THX!

[saved1]

You will be able to see it, it is just a black rubber baloon.

[jc Kyle]

opening it up tomorrow.. will see what i've got!

[Razzer]

take a pair of vicegrips and crimp the brake booster vac hose the rubber one, start the car and see if the engine runs better, you will not have any brake power assistance but if the car runs normal then the problem is definitely with the brake booster itself. If it is its gonna be a pain in the a** to get out and replace it.

[jc Kyle]

well i did what you said razzer, and it ran much better. The brake was a little tough (used a c clamp to close the tube), but the brake worked a hundred times better, and it did not putter when in use... *sigh* is it the brake booster?

[saved1]

Yep, by closing of the hose, you effectively sealed the unit. Your brakes should have been way hard to press, as this is what the booster is for, to make braking pressure easier.

[jc Kyle]

hey... so should i buy a new brake booster? I have a hayne's manual... is it really THAT tricky?

Also, where's a good place to get one? Auto Zone?

[saved1]

It is not to hard to replace. And yes, Auto Zone will probably be the best place to get a new one. I would still check your local junk yards. They usually have allready pulled them and have them for half price.

[jtigger]

Autozone
BRAKE POWER BOOSTER for a
1999 CHEVROLET CAMARO


MFR: Cardone 54-71287 $69.00 + core deposite
MFR: ARI 17-77525 $50.00 + core deposite

Hope that helps!

[jc Kyle]

god they were charging me 85 dollars after i turn in the core... shiiit... well, i'm gonna go pick it up today.. and am gonna take tons of pics and such to see if it can get put on the site here. Any special tools i'll need?

[jc Kyle]

btw.. thx jtigger, hockeyman, saved1, and razzer for your help!

[ August 17, 2004, 02:11 PM: Message edited by: jc Kyle ]