Is there an easy way (or is it even possible) to take a power booster apart with any specialty tools.

Thanks
Tom

Tom S... I would use LOTS of caution when pulling a booster apart. I would suspect that there is a strong spring inside. Maybe someone has tried to take one apart...I have not - I am just being cautious because of brake boosters in trucks can kill you if you are not careful.

"bear

Tom,
I have taken a couple boosters apart, so I could have the case plated. What I do is make a tool out of 1/8" steel, about 2 inches wide by 3 to 4 feet long (the longer the better for more leverage). Then I drilled two holes for the studs that mount the master cylinder. I bolt the bar to the booster, clamp the booster SECURELY in a good vise and twist the upper half of the booster from the lower. A little penetrating oil in the seam would help before you begin. The spring in the booster in not that strong and will not hurt you. It helps to have someone there to catch you if you lose you balance when the pieces come apart while pushing on the bar. :D

Mike

Mike,

Is there a rebuild kit that is needed to put it back together. Is there a seal so that you don't get a vacum leak?

I have a spare booster from a disk brake car, is it the same as the drum booster? I would rather try to pull it apart without disabling my car.

Thanks
Tom

Mike,

Another couple of questions. Is there a tab or lock that I must disingage before turning. Also, I only plan on powder coating the front half and I have the nose off the car. Can I twist the front off as you discribed with it still mounted to the firewall, or is the force needed too much for the mounting studs on the back?

Thanks for the help
Tom

Tom,
I don't know of a rebuild kit for a brake booster.
They do sell new check valves but your booster doesn't need to be disassembled to change that. There is a big rubber diaphram that seals the two halves together, but if your unit is operational now you should be o.k.
I believe the only difference between a disk and a drum booster is the length of the rod that attaches to the brake pedal.
I don't think there is a locking tab.
I have never tried disassembling one that is still on the firewall. Once you take off the master it isn't that much more work to remove the booster. I think you would have much better luck removing it.

Mike

Mike,

I got it apart without any problem. I used a 6' bar with a plate welded to it as you discribed. I was able to pop the cover off with a normal amount of effort. It seems that doing it with the booster still mounted is a safer way since there is no chance of it slipping.

Thanks for all of your help. If it goes back together as easily as it came apart, then it was a simple project

Tom

I'm glad everything worked out for you Tom. The next time I do it, I'll leave it mounted too!

Mike