C3 72 Brake Booster Removal

[Norm C.]

I read in the archives Dave Sheppa's excellent 1990 article/experience removing the booster from his 70 Coupe. I have a 72 and would like to know who has done this not so fun job on a 72? Is there benefit for the time and effort to remove or at least partially lower the drivers side instrument panel.... or are there any other processes to reach that miserable top outside bolt and nut? Any help or tips would be HUGELY appreciated!!!

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 72 Brake Booster Removal

Norm,

I've done almost anything you can do (repair-wise, that is) to a 71 and 72, and I absolutely HATE removing power brake boosters.

The nuts inside the firewall are of the "deformed thread" variety (lock nuts) and require a lot of time and patience to remove. You'll need to use a ratchet with several extensions and a U-joint to remove them. Then, lay on your back in the driver's footwell, and go at it.

You'll learn to ove standard brakes after a few minutes.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 72 Brake Booster Removal

"You'll learn to love standard brakes after a few minutes.

Oops. Typo.

[Norm C.]

Re: C3 72 Brake Booster Removal

Thanks Patrick.... but could you help with what you had to remove to reach that top outside bolt,,, I can't see it & I haven't so far been able to reach up there and feel it much less get the deep socket on it.

[lyndon sharpton]

Re: C3 72 Brake Booster Removal

boy Patrick, you hit the nail on the head. speaking of head you just about need to stand on you head to get that booster off.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 72 Brake Booster Removal

Lyndon,

You've got that right.

I don't think you "have" to remove anything to get at those nuts. It's easier without the duct to the Astro Vent, but I didn't remove anything else.
Well, other than skin off my knuckles and forehead...

But, once you're on your back and playing with the extensions, u-joints, flashlight and everything else, you start wishing for something less painful, like walking through hot coals.

FYI, removing and reinstalling the clutch pedal assembly from a 1990 ZR-1 is somewhat less difficult, as at least the bolts that hold it in place are not the deformed thread type. Find one and practice removing and reinstalling the clutch pedal assembly is good practice for the 72 brake booster.

Patrick

[bruce11495]

Re: C3 72 Brake Booster Removal

I've done it a few times....1st take the drivers seat out, this gives you room to lay down, you'll be there for a while.7/16 drive deep, universal and then the needed extensions. You'll need a light, flashlight is easiest and you have to FIND the top left bolt, its hard looking thru all the wires, vac lines etc. Once you can easily pick it out, then you are ready to operate..... when you get it out, then you have to remove the clip off of the push rod from the brake pedal to the booster, thats a PIA too. When you get that all done then it will come out, B4 you replace it, buy some extra clips for the pedal to rod hook up, they are spring steel and lying on your back for sure they will fly up in the dash or under the carpet where you CAN'T reach when you are lying on your back.......ASk me how I know all this, I'm 6'4", You'll need about 3 beers too.................

[Chas Henderson #28127]

Re: C3 72 Brake Booster Removal

When I did my 71, I too, took the seat out. Took the T=tops off as well. I got really tired laying on my back and I hate lock nuts. And Bruce is right on when you try to put the brake clevis clip back on. I think that was the most frustrating thing to do. Make sure you hook the pedal up to the correct hole, if you have power brakes. Pick the wrong hole and the brake light switch will not match up.

Chasman

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 72 Brake Booster Removal

Its almost as much fun as removing the heater core on an air conditioned 70.

[bruce11495]

Re: C3 72 Brake Booster Removal

No comparison. The h/c, you can remove half the dash to get at it. The pb, well you could do that but that would be more than twice the work.
As I said, the tough part is "seeing" where the top bolt is and getting your tool on it. Getting the clevis clip back in, lying on your back, flashlight in your mouth, 2 arms jammed under the dash, spreading the clip and then the clip "springs" off somewhere under the dash....Now you have to re-extricate yourself from under the dash....... Chas, did I describe that right?

After you've done it once/twice, it's NOT all that bad !! MOre beer....