69 brake booster R&R

[Greg L.]

Is it possible to R&R the brake booster once the speedo and tach cluster is installed?

The service manual basicaly says to remove the nuts and the booster will gently fall onto your lap. I seem to remember trying to remove it once and couldn't even see the nuts let alone remove them...

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 brake booster R&R

Yes, it can be done, I am told -- but it is a place where the quality of Snap-on tools will pay huge dividends. IIRC one needs a mid-length flex socket. I'm thinking 9/16-inch, but it will be best to hear from others before investing in a wrong-size tool. The top two nuts will have to be done by feel. You will curse the grip-nuts that will fight you every 1/16 of a turn all the way to the end.

Getting it out pales in comparison to putting the nuts back on the studs. Good luck.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 brake booster R&R

Yes, it can be done, I am told -- but it is a place where the quality of Snap-on tools will pay huge dividends. IIRC one needs a mid-length flex socket. I'm thinking 9/16-inch, but it will be best to hear from others before investing in a wrong-size tool. The top two nuts will have to be done by feel. You will curse the grip-nuts that will fight you every 1/16 of a turn all the way to the end.

Getting it out pales in comparison to putting the nuts back on the studs. Good luck.

Terry----


This is one of the reasons I have always been glad that I didn't order J-50 on my 1969. It's also one of the reasons that I never seriously considered adding it. Plus, I could never tell much braking difference between a J-50-equipped C-3 and my car.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 69 brake booster R&R

Is it possible to R&R the brake booster once the speedo and tach cluster is installed?

The service manual basicaly says to remove the nuts and the booster will gently fall onto your lap...

HaHaHaHa...Yeah, right...And did you read what the service manual said about removing the radiator? I think we just had the radiator discussion.

Better move tasks around on your critical path, such that you can get the booster in/out BEFORE you start installing interior. Doesn't make any sense to lay a mine field just so you have to run back through it to get to your lines. I can't remember whether the instrument panel was in or out when I removed those booster nuts...the trauma must have made me forget everything except the frustration. when you're in the swamp up to your backside in alligators, the water moccasins will be a secondary concern.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 brake booster R&R

Well I suppose then where there's a will there's a way but I'd rather not get myself into that situation unless I have too.

I need to have the booster out so that I can install the vacuum tank after blacking out the inner fenders. I just thought that if there was some easy way to install it after the dash was together then I'd start installing the dash....I think I'll install dash at a much later date!

[Lawrence M.]

Re: 69 brake booster R&R

Hi Greg. Yes you can get the booster out. The difficulty depends on how big you are and if you have thin arms. I had to do it when I had my '69. The booster had an internal vaccum leak that made my L46 idle like a poorly tuned LT1. The first thing you want to do is remove the drivers seat. You can then work somewhat comfortably on your back. Be sure to wear saftey glasses as you may drop a wrench on your face. Don't ask how I know that. There is one nut of the 4 that you will not be able to see. It is one of the uppers but I don't remember if it is the left or right one, it's been 10 years . That one you have to "see" with your fingers to work on it. Take your time and if you have skinny arms ( I do) it's not that bad. Just time consuming. By the way I popped for a brand new GM booster so I would never have to do it again. Let us know how you make out.

Larry