The brake booster in your car is a crucial component that reduces the amount of effort needed to press the brake pedal while simultaneously amplifying your braking power. If you have a problem with your braking, you might need brake booster repair by a brake booster specialist.
A brake booster helps you apply the brakes with less effort and greater effectiveness. In smaller cars, it uses a vacuum system to amplify the force you apply to the brake pedal, making it easier to slow down or stop the vehicle. Larger vehicles, like trucks, typically use hydraulic pressure in the brake booster.
A vacuum brake booster relies on the engine’s vacuum pressure, created by the intake manifold, to assist with braking.
When you push the brake pedal, a push rod moves into the brake booster, where a diaphragm separates two chambers. One side is exposed to the engine’s vacuum, while the other side is open to atmospheric pressure. When you press the brake pedal, the vacuum on one side of the diaphragm is temporarily cut off, creating a difference in pressure between the two sides. This pressure difference pushes the diaphragm forward, amplifying the force applied to the brake pedal. This force is then transferred to the master cylinder, which applies hydraulic pressure to engage the brake pads and slow or stop the vehicle.
Without this system, stopping your car—especially at high speeds—would require immense strength. The brake booster allows for smoother, less strenuous braking and improves overall safety.
Don’t worry too much about the brake booster price, since vacuum brake boosters last a long time. However, they can experience wear and tear and may need to be repaired or replaced.
If your brake pedal feels extremely hard or requires excessive force to press down, you could have a problem with your brake booster. Similarly, if the brake pedal feels much softer than usual or goes lower than expected, it may indicate an issue. A hissing noise when pressing the brake pedal can also signal a vacuum leak in the brake booster or a damaged diaphragm.
If you suspect a problem with your brake booster, book a visit with the brake booster professionals at Astro Brake today. Contact us now to have your braking system inspected by a certified brake booster specialist.