C3 Power Brake Booster Removal

[Michael H.]

What is the procedure for removing the power brake booster on a 79 Corvette?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Power Brake Booster Removal

Mike------

I'm going to repeat something I've said many times before: if one is going to do any serious repair work on one's Corvette, one really needs to obtain and be guided by a year model-specific Chevrolet or Corvette Factory Service Manual. By "serious repair work", I mean just about anything beyond oil, oil filter, and air filter changes. For most 1982 and older Corvettes, factory service manuals (or reprints thereof) are still available for reasonable prices (especially from the NCRS bookstore). For 84+ Corvettes, they are a LOT more expensive, but one still needs to have one if one intends to perform work on one's Corvette.

To provide a little information on your question, to remove the power booster from your car I have good news and bad news for you. First, the good news: after the rather easy removal of the brake lines from the master cylinder, removal of the power brake booster requires the removal of only 4 nuts. Now, the bad news: these four nuts are located up and under the left side dash panel and accessing them can be difficult. Also required is the removal of the push rod from the brake pedal.

[David H.]

Re: C3 Power Brake Booster Removal

Mike,

Good advice on getting the SPECIFIC YEAR GM factory shop manual. For example: having these instructions avoids damage when removing the link between the booster and brake pedal lever.

Access to these under-dash bolts (nuts) is poor. For other reasons on my 1980, I had removed my steering column (pretty easy) and that gave MUCH better access to the four bolts under the dash. If you need a new rag joint anyway, removing the steering column might be an option.

Because of the poor access, some people "Bubba" the operation and only replace 3 of the 4 nuts - this is NOT A GOOD IDEA. Some long extensions and flexible links should do the trick.

(P.S. Complete rag joints are available from GM - Although more expensive, I think they are much better than the rag joint rebuild kits.)

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Power Brake Booster Removal

Agreed.

Removing and replacing these nuts on my Dad's 72 was probably the most difficult thing I've ever done on a Corvette...and there isn't much I haven't done.

Patrick

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 Power Brake Booster Removal

On removal of the four nuts on the power brake booster on my 70 I found that with the constant friction fit of the nuts after braking them loose contributed to the somewhat difficult access problem, the studs are long, and there is a lot of wrenching to remove the nuts. The nuts are not going to spin off for sure by hand.

[Jeff A.]

Re: C3 Power Brake Booster Removal

The previous posts are right, putting this back together is tough because of the difficulty in attaching the clevis from the brake pedal. It is especially tyough when the clevis is still attached, because getting the threads started at the right angle in a tight spot is difficult. You might want to lower the steering column by the two bolts to give yourself clearer access.

Why are you taking the booster off. They rarely go bad. Most problems come from the master cylinder or from not having bled the brakes enough times.

There was a good post in the archives about assessing the brake booster without taking it off. Good luck and leave plenty of time for this one. A good picture or chart on what your working on will help.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Power Brake Booster Removal

Jim,

Correct. They are "deformed" lock nuts (the end is "triangle" shaped), not just regular old nuts. These are the same style used on your motor mount bolts and others.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Power Brake Booster Removal

Patrick-----

Yes, accessing and removing those nuts makes one fully appreciate the beauty of a manual brake Corvette. I once even considered adding power brakes to my car (I have all of the NOS pieces [none for sale] in triplicate), but the prospect of dealing with those nuts convinced me that manual brakes work just fine.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Power Brake Booster Removal

I've got manual brakes on my 71, power on Dad's 72. I've experienced both.

Trust me, manual brakes are just FINE on an old Corvette, no matter what anyone says. I would never turn down a car because of it.

Patrick

[Craig S.]

Re: C3 Power Brake Booster Removal

Did it on my 74....a job I would call a real bitch....and I cleaned that up...Craig

[Craig S.]

Re: C3 Power Brake Booster Removal

I am totally happy with manual brakes on my 67....and my 66 L72 they are fine too, I used them to stop the car as I roll it from one restoration spot to anohter....Craig