What is a brake booster (Westinghouse/Hydrovak)? How can you tell if your brake servo is failing? How does the brake booster function? What are the symptoms of a brake booster malfunction? What should I do if my brake booster is not working?
What is Brake Booster and how does it work?
Before electric brakes were made standard in the 1960s, drivers relied on their legs to stop the car. Older drivers may recall that in certain situations, the brake pedal was used with both feet. Driving was made easier by power steering and air brakes. The addition of air brakes to a car’s standard braking system allowed drivers to apply less force when they brake. Driving safety and comfort became more enjoyable.
Brake booster also known as “Westinghouse” Or “Hydrovac” The heart of the brake system is the pedal. The brake pedal increases the force applied to the vehicle up to five times by pressing the pedal. It provides the driver with a comfortable and efficient braking experience by providing a soft brake pedal.
How does the Brake Booster work?
It is important to first understand the basic principles of brake booster technology before we move on to brake booster technology. It is quite simple. The brake pedal is depressed and the pushrod applies pressure the hydraulic fluid-filled main cylinder. This pressure forces the brake fluid from the mastercylinder through the brake lines to reach the caliper. This applies pressure on the piston in the caliper. It presses the brake pads into the discs. This friction force causes the vehicle’s wheels to stop.
The brake booster is located between brake pedal and brake master cylinder. It contains a brake hydraulic reservoir. It transfers some pressure from the intake manifold of the engine to the brake pedal. This is true for petrol vehicles. Diesel vehicles use a hydraulic pump to create a vacuum. The brake booster is a hydraulic pump that pumps compressed air from either the intake manifold (or hydraulic pump) to the brake pedal when you press the brake pedal.
The brake booster has a rubber diaphragm, sometimes two on certain vehicles. This separates the two sides. The pedal’s side chamber is known as the “pressure chamber” , and the chamber on master cylinder side can be called the “vacuum chamber” . The valve connects the chambers to the channel and closes it. The pressure in both chambers will be equal if the brake is not used. The pushrod pushes on the valve, which opens the channel and allows atmospheric pressure to enter the vacuum chamber. The hydraulic fluid is activated by the pressure difference between the chambers. This causes your vehicle to stop completely. After braking is complete, the chambers will be separated and the pressure in them will equalize.
Brake Booster Malfunction Symptoms
Brake boosters improve the safety of your vehicle. However, like all car parts, they can wear down over time. There may be signs that your vehicle’s brake booster is not working properly. A stiff brake pedal is the most obvious sign of a bad brake booster. A stalling engine when braking is another sign. The reason is that a properly functioning brake booster allows for a certain amount compressed air to enter. If it fails, excessive air can enter. Insufficient air can cause the engine to stall.
- – Hardening the brake pedal
- – An increase in the braking distance. (This could be due to air bubbles entering into the vacuum chamber from within the brake mastercylinder.
- – The brake pedal is higher above the ground. This is because the vacuum pushes the pedal out.
- Engine stalling or hissing sound when brakes are applied. This is caused by a brake servo that has begun to leak.
- Leakage of brake fluid
- – Illumination on the instrument panel of malfunction lamps, such as ABS, traction system and stability system.
- A leaking brake booster could also cause your engine to run badly and the check engine lamp to turn on.
How long can a brake booster last?
The brake booster is not designed to have a fixed life. It will generally last as long or longer than the vehicle. The brake booster can be damaged or need to be replaced for a variety of reasons. The brake booster’s life expectancy can be extended by being aware of any signs that your vehicle is giving you. This part is rarely checked by mechanics. They only notice faults when they are.
Leakage of the master cylinder can often be the reason to replace the booster. The brake booster can be affected by fluid from the cylinder. The booster can be saved by having any leaks detected and repaired as soon as possible.
