Prowler V6-3.5L VIN G (1999)
Vacuum Brake Booster: Description and Operation
Vacuum Booster (Cutaway View)
All vehicles use a 205 mm tandem vacuum booster.
The purpose of the vacuum booster is to reduce the amount of force required to be applied to the brake pedal by the drivers foot, to obtain the required
hydraulic pressure in the brake system to stop the vehicle.
Vacuum Booster Identification
The vacuum booster can be identified if required, by the tag attached to the body of the vacuum booster. This tag contains the following information. The
production part number of the vacuum booster, the date it was built and who manufactured it.
Note: The vacuum booster assembly is not a repairable part and must be replaced as a complete unit if it is found to be faulty in any way. The check
valve used in the vacuum booster is not repairable but can be replaced as a separate component of the vacuum booster.
The vacuum booster is a vacuum operated devise. Vacuum is supplied from the intake manifold on the engine through the check valve in the vacuum
booster.
As the brake pedal is depressed, the vacuum booster input rod moves forward. This movement opens and closes valves in the vacuum booster, creating a
vacuum on one side of a diaphragm and allowing atmospheric pressure to enter on the other. This difference in pressure forces the output rod of the
vacuum booster out against the primary piston of the master cylinder. As the pistons in the master cylinder move forward this creates the hydraulic
pressure in the brake system.
The vacuum booster mounts on the engine side of the dash panel. It is externally connected to the brake system by an input push rod to the brake pedal.
A vacuum line connects the vacuum booster to the intake manifold. The master cylinder is bolted to the front of the vacuum booster.
