I searched the site and came to a thread on how to remove the brake booster, but the problem is it said only four bolts are needed to be removed. I know the bolts are on the inside of the fire wall, but have no idea how to get to them. Please help; trying to get my car ready for monday. Any help is greatly appriciated.

 

they are the sane 4 bolts that hold the pedal onto the firewall. the booster has threaded studs that stick into the car. The booster and pedals are sandwiched together on the firewall. If you remove the interior plastics under the dash you can see the lower 2, the upper 2 will require dropping the steering column a bit and using some long extensions to get to them They are a PITA to get at.

 

thank you for the help. How do I go about on dropping the steering column? Sorry for the all the questions, but I am desperate on getting this thing fixed.

 

after you remove the plastic panels under the dash, you will see 2 bolts holding the steering column to the metal inner dash structure. Take them out or just loosen them.

 

Dropping the column isn't necessary. I got at mine with just a flex-head ratcheting wrench. I'm sure a swivel on a 3/8" socket would work just fine also. But yes, they are very inconveniently located.

 

If I dont drop the steering column, where would I go through in order to reach the bolts?

 

from under the dash

i had to change out the pedals in my 86 when i swap it to manual trans, i had a lot of wires and crap up under the dash and i could not get to the top 2 bolts from the underside, i couldn't even see them or get my hand on them, i had to lower the column a bit and do it that way

 

LOL yeah I think I am going to need to lower the steering column indeed. While I was trying to get to the bolts from under the dash all I could see was a jungle of wires lol. Really appreciate the help guys!

 

Oh my back! I'm too old for this. I've got two bolts off and have two more to go. Is this a flex-head wrench?





If so, I'll go buy one. The lower right bolt has a metal bar in the way.

 

A loooonnnnnnggggg extension and deep well socket has always worked for me.

 

and do yourself a favor and remove the drivers seat, stretch out in semi-comfort

 

What is this metal bar that is in the way of the lower right bolt? I removed the bolt securing the bar and bent it upward a bit. I just want to make sure I'm not going to break something before bending further.

 

They're braces for the clutch master cylinder which is bolted to the firewall. I wouldn't worry too much about bending, they're bolted to the pedals at the top with the main pivot bolt. Chances are they'll swivel before the bend. If you want to be extra cautious you could just loosen the pivot bolt.

 

Thanks - I'm making progress, and I'm sure I'll have the brake booster removed soon. I mess with it a little each day. After about 30 minutes, I get drenched in sweat. Working on a car during a Texas summer is no fun.

 

Another day, another bolt removed. I used an offset wrench to get access. One more bolt to go, but I had to stop due to the heat.

 

I finally got the brake booster and MC replaced. I bled the master cylinder with kit that utilizes a syringe. Now I just need to bleed the brake lines, and I'm done.

 

The motive power bleeder didn't work (leaked brake fluid all over the engine bay), so I used the gravity bleed method. The final step was to connect the vacuum line to the booster. Alas, the vacuum line was too big for the port on the new brake booster. I threw the old booster away, and the trash pick up was this morning! Grrrrr!!! Now what?

 

Just a side note,
Is best to paint a new booster before you install it,otherwise they get a light coat of rust on them.

A coating of "High Temp" Engine Enamel spray paint should work fine.
I like the "Low Gloss Black".

Something like this = http://www.rustoleum.com/product-cat.../engine-enamel

 

There are two different check valves used on the booster. IIRC, the V6 and V8 use different valves and subsequently different hose sizes.

 

This is handy- my booster is all corroded with surface rust and stands out in the engine bay like a sumbitch. Looks like I’ll be tackling that with it where it is.

 

I began on removing my brake booster this past weekend following the instructions provided here. Then if course I hit a snag. Even after loosening the steering wheel, I couldn't get to the upper right bolt on inside if the car. I said screw it and ordered a 24" and other super long 3/8" extensions. Hopefully that will work. Removing over 31 year old bolts was not a pleasant experience.