What are Chevy Silverado Brake Booster Problems?
The brake booster is an important addition to any braking system. It works to amplify the hydraulic pressure delivered to the master cylinder. This allows for more effective and timely braking as well as contributing to the safety features of the vehicle. However, it is not as perfect as it sounds. You are likely to experience a few problems with the brake booster.
Chevy Silverado brake booster problems may occur due to several reasons. The common tell-tale signs of a malfunctioning brake booster include increased braking distance, brake pedal resistance, higher brake pedal position, and engine malfunction. You must have any brake booster problems addressed as soon as possible. This is because it can get unsafe if you drive without it.
This article digs deeper into the Chevy Silverado brake booster problems, why they occur, and what to do about them.
What is a brake booster?
To define brake boosters and their role, it is important to put it into context.
Whenever you are driving and need to come to a stop, you will typically apply pressure on the brake pedal so your car slows down. When this pedal is pressed, the brake booster utilizes engine vacuum and pressure to support the brake pedal with increased force on the master brake cylinder. With the brake booster, the ability to stop more quickly and efficiently is increased. Without the booster, it will require you to push much harder on the brakes to apply a similar amount of pressure to the brake cylinder.
The brake booster is one of the differences between vehicles that come with a power steering system and those with manual steering. They are common in vehicles with hydraulic brakes rather than pressurized air brake circuits.
What are Chevy Silverado Brake Booster Problems?
Confidence on the road is contributed by many factors, one of them being an efficient braking system. To keep it in peak working order, regular maintenance is important. But also, you need to be aware of the common symptoms so you can take it for diagnosis and troubleshooting in good time. The common brake booster problems are as outlined:
High brake pedal position
This happens in the event of an imbalance of pressure in the vacuum chamber. Thus, the pedal takes a higher-than-normal position and will return slowly to its original position once you let go.
Stiff brake pedal action
This is one of the main indicators of brake booster malfunctioning. At this point, the brake booster loses its ability to amplify the force of your foot on the brake. This will require you to apply more pressure.
Increased braking distance
One benefit of using brake boosters is that you can come to a stop more quickly. Therefore, if they fail, it will take longer to come to a complete stop.
Warning lights
Some warning lights such as the anti-lock braking system or ABS will be illuminated on your dashboard to imply issues with the brake booster.
Compromised engine function
This is likely to be the case when there is a vacuum leak resulting from a hole in the diaphragm or the check valve that allows air to enter the system. The air, in turn, gets into the fuel mix reducing the cooling action and increasing the overall temperatures and friction in the engine.
Overheated hydro-booster
This is a consequence of increased temperatures outside the car. This damages the spool vane and seal of hydraulic brake boosters.
Is it safe to drive without a brake booster?
No, it is not safe to drive without a brake booster. This is because before you can successfully stop your car, you will have to apply much more force. To slow down your vehicle, even at the slightest without the brake booster, you will be forced to depress the pedal much harder. This will also increase the braking distance, which may not be that generous in some instances.
How much would it cost to replace my brake booster?
Generally, a brake booster replacement costs anywhere around $325 to $1250. This is inclusive of labor costs which range between $100 and $200 and car parts which cost around $100 to $900. The cost estimate is likely to vary depending on the model and brand of your car, with the labor rates varying with the technician.
Conclusion
The brake booster plays a very important safety role in vehicles. Hence, any problems on the same should be attended to as soon as possible. These issues are best handled by a professional.
