Hydro Boost Brakes

[the boatman]

I have a 1982 Chevy MH. Have to stand on the brake pedal to stop. Need to know how to diagnosis hydro boost system. Thanks Keith

[NeilV]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by the boatman:
I have a 1982 Chevy MH. Have to stand on the brake pedal to stop. Need to know how to diagnosis hydro boost system. Thanks Keith </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

One of the first steps would be to make sure that the brake cylinder is full or good brake fluid, power steering resvoir is full with the correct fluid and that the belt is properly tensioned and in good condition on the power steering pump which also provides the brake boost.

How is the steering? If the power steering resevoir is full and the belt good and properly tensioned but the steering is week then you may have a clogged screen in the pump or the pump may need replacement.

This is just a start however if you have just purchased a 25 year old motorhome then
you would be prudent to have the whole system checked out, refurbished, flushed and then refilled with new fluids.

[Max Hubrich]

Hi Neil,

I had an '86 Holiday Rambler, 33', And with everything rebuilt it was tough stopping it. The only thing that helped was a brake buddy in my tow car (a Saturn). Make sure the fluid in the hydro boost master cylinder is clean and full. The master cylinder for the HB was located to the rear of the entry steps on my rig-- it was a chore to add fluid to the cylinder because it was mounted almost up against the floor. If I remember right it only affected the tag axle, which was a ford F-350 drum brake setup. The rest of the brake system was Chevy ( P-30, in my case).

Good luck, let us know about your results,

Max Hubrich
2002 Newmar Mountain Aire, 37' gas
2006 Malibu

[NeilV]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Max Hubrich:
Hi Neil,

I had an '86 Holiday Rambler, 33', And with everything rebuilt it was tough stopping it. The only thing that helped was a brake buddy in my tow car (a Saturn). Make sure the fluid in the hydro boost master cylinder is clean and full. The master cylinder for the HB was located to the rear of the entry steps on my rig-- it was a chore to add fluid to the cylinder because it was mounted almost up against the floor. If I remember right it only affected the tag axle, which was a ford F-350 drum brake setup. The rest of the brake system was Chevy ( P-30, in my case).

Good luck, let us know about your results,

Max Hubrich
2002 Newmar Mountain Aire, 37' gas
2006 Malibu </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Max,

It is Keith that posted the question. The unit by the steps on a P30 would more likely be the AutoPark unit as the HydroBoost resevoir is usually a cylindrical tank mounted on the drivers side of the fire wall or integral with the power steering pump.

Pulling a toad with one of these older units really exposes the absolute need for a toad brake. Regardless of the law or age of the tow vehicle a toad brake should be viewed as mandatory and not optional.