Older cars use a master cylinder by itself to provide the hydraulic power to operate the brakes on the car. The problem was, mashing the brake took a lot of strength that not everyone had. As a result, the vacuum brake booster was created to add a vacuum assist to the pedal. If the vacuum booster on your 1999 Olds 88 develops a vacuum leak, then your 88's brake pedal will become very heavy and you'll need to change out the booster to make braking as easy as it's supposed to be.
Instructions
- 1
Open the hood. Unbolt the master cylinder from the brake booster using an open-end wrench, then pull the master cylinder off the booster. The booster will be supported by the brake lines, so try not to distort them in the process of removing the unit. Then unplug the vacuum hose leading to the booster, using your hands.
2Crawl underneath the dashboard and follow the brake pedal up under the dash until you see the connection to the master cylinder. Unbolt the connection at the pedal, using an open-end wrench and the ratchet. Then remove the acoustic panel that the master cylinder rod goes through to reveal the nuts holding the booster in place on the firewall.
3Unbolt the brake booster from the firewall, using the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and sockets. You may need to use a universal joint to gain access to certain bolts depending on the size of your hands and the depth of your sockets.
4Go under the hood again and pull the brake booster off the firewall.
