A vacuum booster is a device that is used in the braking system of almost every car. With its help, an effort is created on the brake pedal, which occurs due to the discharge. Through the use of such a device, the operation of the brake system is improved, so the driver’s fatigue during the journey is significantly reduced.
Amplifier design
Quite often, vacuum appliances fail. To repair the amplifier successfully, before you begin, you should familiarize yourself with the design of the device. And it consists of such parts:
- a casing, which with the help of a diaphragm is divided into two chambers: vacuum and atmospheric;
- in turn, the vacuum chamber is connected to a vacuum source, which often uses the area in the engine behind the throttle ;
- for the amplifier to work properly, without interruptions, a vacuum electric pump is used (its use is mandatory on diesel engines);
- thanks to a special pusher, the tracking valve moves;
- when braking is completed, the brake pedal returns to its original position due to the presence of a return spring.
Symptoms
Repair of amplifiers can be started only after all signs of their malfunction are identified. As a rule, the most common malfunction in the device system is a partial or complete inability to create a vacuum. Most likely, this is due to damage to the diaphragm, as a result of which a small amount of air enters the vacuum chamber. Also, such a problem may arise due to an open circuit or depressurization at the hoses. In addition, such malfunctions can result from loss of elasticity of the valve. In any case, special tests should be performed to identify problems.
How to identify a malfunction?
Finding these or those malfunctions in the vacuum amplifier occurs by conducting special tests. Let's consider some of them:
- Start the engine, and after a couple of minutes turn it off. After that, you will need to press the brake. If the amplifier is working, then the first time you press the pedal it will squeeze all the way, which means that the system will work. Repair of amplifiers in this case is not required.
- With further pressing the pedals there is no vacuum, so its stroke should become less. But if the difference between the first and subsequent clicks is not felt, then the system has failed. Most likely, additional force is not provided in the brake master cylinder . Repairing the amplifier in this case will help to cope with the problem.
- It is advisable to do one more experiment, which consists in performing several actions. First, turn off the engine, and then press the brake pedal several times in a row. Once again, push the brake all the way and start the engine. Repair of the vacuum amplifier is not required if sufficient vacuum is generated in its working chamber. This will indicate a slight lowering of the pedal after turning on the ignition. At the same time, if it remains stationary, it means that the system does not work well. It may have air leaks. Due to a leak in the chamber, the pressure rises, so the brake pedal will rise. As a result, the driver will need to make an effort to apply the brake.
Repair Technology
To do the repair of the amplifier with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with the stages of work. The instructions below can help with this:
- Carefully read all the information that is in the instruction manual. Repair of the amplifier will be performed without unnecessary problems.
- In the passenger compartment, the device drive rod connected to the brake pedal must be unhooked. It is located under the steering shaft.
- Under the hood, it is necessary to dismantle the GTZ.
- Disconnect vacuum hose from check valve.
- Repair the amplifier or replace it completely (it depends on the type of malfunction).
If during the work any questions arose, it is better to seek help from a professional who will tell you what’s what. Independently continue to work in this case is not recommended.