Junkyard Hydroboost - Always Rebuild Them? Also Other Hydroboost Questions

[the-glove]

Figuring out everything I need to do to dive into converting to hydroboost. I'm probably going to go the pick-a-part 90-95 Astro Van hydroboost route. My question is, as standard practice, should I automatically rebuild the hydroboost unit (seals) with one of those online rebuild kits? Of course if whatever I pull is covered with power steering fluid, it probably should be an automatic rebuild because it's obviously leaking.But if it's not obviously leaking and at least from the outside looks to be in good shape, do most of you rebuild it anyways since it's a 25-30 year old part?

Also, if not trying to keep the cost down, should I pull the master cylinder too or just buy a new one from RockAuto or something to ensure it's working well?

I already have a disc/drum proportioning valve (not the original stock H block) running with my vacuum boost unit. I think I bought it from Tom's Broncos with teh vacuum booster. Should this be similar to the Astrovan proportioning valve so I don't need to pull the Astro one.....or is the Astro one metered specifically for the hydroboost and MC so I should pull it? If I have either of these proportioning valves already, is it better to install one of those adjustable valves so I can dial in the rear brakes better or I should be fine?

Ok last question...for now. Like I said, I have the Tom's Broncos angled bracket vacuum booster. Anyone know if this bracket is the same as the stock Ford 76-77 bracket? I want to mount the Astro hydro on this (to clear my EFI upper). I know people have mounted the Astro unit on the stock angle bracket with the Ebay bellcrank kit, but I'm not sure if the Tom's bracket is the same.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[hankjr]

Howdy.

For my build, i rebuilt the junkyard unit i got. To me, its sitting there on the bench so why not. the seal kit is pretty straight forward to install with the exception of the input seal. I had to cut my input shaft, install the seals, then sleeve and weld it. again straight forward but details to manage.

i have disc/drum and using the h block for now with what seem to be good results, though still short miles on the project. i grabbed the junkyard MC for mock up purposes but bought a new one on rock auto.

Hank

 

[gr8scott]

If you can get a junkyard unit cheap enough, it can be used as a core. If you do that, keep the output rod and star retainer clip, as most rebuilt units don't come with them.

 

[toddz69]

Figuring out everything I need to do to dive into converting to hydroboost. I'm probably going to go the pick-a-part 90-95 Astro Van hydroboost route. My question is, as standard practice, should I automatically rebuild the hydroboost unit (seals) with one of those online rebuild kits? Of course if whatever I pull is covered with power steering fluid, it probably should be an automatic rebuild because it's obviously leaking.But if it's not obviously leaking and at least from the outside looks to be in good shape, do most of you rebuild it anyways since it's a 25-30 year old part?

Also, if not trying to keep the cost down, should I pull the master cylinder too or just buy a new one from RockAuto or something to ensure it's working well?

I already have a disc/drum proportioning valve (not the original stock H block) running with my vacuum boost unit. I think I bought it from Tom's Broncos with teh vacuum booster. Should this be similar to the Astrovan proportioning valve so I don't need to pull the Astro one.....or is the Astro one metered specifically for the hydroboost and MC so I should pull it? If I have either of these proportioning valves already, is it better to install one of those adjustable valves so I can dial in the rear brakes better or I should be fine?

Ok last question...for now. Like I said, I have the Tom's Broncos angled bracket vacuum booster. Anyone know if this bracket is the same as the stock Ford 76-77 bracket? I want to mount the Astro hydro on this (to clear my EFI upper). I know people have mounted the Astro unit on the stock angle bracket with the Ebay bellcrank kit, but I'm not sure if the Tom's bracket is the same.

Thanks in advance!!

I've used a number of used units over the years (always picked dry ones) and I've never rebuilt one. If it's coated in fluid, it needs a rebuild. If it's dry, I'd run it, assuming it's not been sitting for a very long time without use.

Use the Bronco-specific proportioning valve or the adjustable one. The Astro one isn't configured for a Bronco. Master cylinder - I've used both. At this stage in the game, I usually go new because they're cheap enough.

Todd Z.

 

[904Bronco]

Hydroboost unit #52-7333 Cardone, (Rebuilt)
Raybestos MC #39961 (for 1995 Astro Van)
Russel PS fittings # 648060, 648080 metric to 6an on HB unit
(6) 18mm metric flange nuts to hold the HB to the bracket and master to HB Or use stock ones.


As Todd said I will run a dry unit from the wrecking yard and so far have had good success. (Two that way)

I would say get the modified bell crank for Toms bracket, but I have not done that myself.
Reach out to Ray on eBay to ask if he knows... He sells the eBay units. He is also on Classic...

eBay sellers name is: deals4u5309

"If you can get a junkyard unit cheap enough, it can be used a a core. If you do that, keep the output rod and star retainer clip, as most rebuilt units don't come with them."
An Option as well and basically what I just did on my 67...

I run a manual brake adjustment valve from Summit Racing. It is like $40, but identical to the higher priced ones

I had no luck running the 80's Camero master cylinder, it leaked out the cap. Astro van MC is a larger bore = firmer brake petal. But it still stops like a champ! (and no leaks)

Doug

 

[pcf_mark]

I just selected a dry one too and it has been on the truck for years and is not a problem. My hose leaks a little but the unit is ok. They are cheap enough buy used but rebuilt was too costly to me.

 

[mrdrnac]

Mine was also a nice dry one, and I found it on a 2004 model Tahoe so it was also newer.

 

[Apogee]

The Bosch Hydroboost units are designed to last 400,000 miles or so IIRC, and they'll typically last that if you keep the fluid clean. Shrapnel from the pump and/or steering gear tend to be what score the bore, otherwise seals can age out and fail...different lifespans under different hoods depending on the conditions encountered.

As for the post regarding cutting and sleeving an input shaft, you can just remove it if you get a little creative with a puller, and then re-swage the rod back into the unit with a dull chisel and an anvil.

 

[garberz]

I ran my junk yard hydroboost for 10 years before it finally started leaking. 95’ Astro Van. I just bought the Cardone reman from Rock Auto. Get one at the junk yard and run it till it leaks. They don’t really fail, they just start seeping PS fluid.

The bell crank adapter on EBay only works with the factory angle bracket. It won’t work with TBP’s bracket, or any of the other after market angle brackets. Buy the entire angle bracket from the EBay vendor or the offset bracket works good too. I installed both, I like the offset bracket because it keeps more space available in that area.

Mark

 

[904Bronco]

Thanks for the heads up on the Bell crank and bracket non fitment Mark... Hope you are doing well Down South.... Doug

 

[the-glove]

Thanks for all the replies and info. Really helpful and makes me feel better about going to the junkyard. Doug thanks for the specific info...and nice engine bay! Yes thanks Mark, you saved me from buying the bell crank kit!

Yuan

 

[gr8scott]

Here's the offset bracket Mark mentioned. CB member catfan makes them.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Early-Bron...mounting-bracket-66-77-ford-new-/223835486581

 

[the-glove]

Thanks Gr8Scott. My onboard air stuff is in the way that far to the drivers side though. I’ll probably have to go with Catfan’s angled one.

 

[the-glove]

What is the preference of Astro MC or Camaro MC? Is it just a clearance thing? The Camaro MC sits lower? Is there a performance or feel difference?

 

[ransil]

I run them out of the junk yard, buy 2 just in case.

 

[catfan]

Thanks for all the replies and info. Really helpful and makes me feel better about going to the junkyard. Doug thanks for the specific info...and nice engine bay! Yes thanks Mark, you saved me from buying the bell crank kit!

Yuan

If you have time to send me your bracket I'll make a bell crank for it.

 

[904Bronco]

What is the preference of Astro MC or Camaro MC? Is it just a clearance thing? The Camaro MC sits lower? Is there a performance or feel difference?

I believe bore size is equivalent to Bronco with disc/drum and it has correct spacing to bolt up to HB unit.

 

[the-glove]

Went to the pick and pull today and it was slim pickings for dry Astro Hydroboost units! Out of the three 1990-1995s, one had a vacuum booster and the Hydroboost in the other two were covered in gunk. I want an early one with the flat bracket but I also checked probably six 1996-2002 Astros and there was only one that didn’t have gunk all over the hydroboost. So I picked a 1995 that was covered with fluid but not as bad as some of the others. Is that what you guys are experiencing? That it’s really hard to find a junkyard Astro Hydroboost that’s dry?

I read that there’s a weep hole between the Hydroboost and MC that lets brake fluid out and is normal. Is this why all the units were covered in gunk? Or is it just that common that they leak? That’s 7 out of 8 Astros i counted that were all leaking! I guess the seals ARE 25 year old.

Trying to decide if I should roll the dice and just use it as-is and pray it wasn’t power steering fluid covering the unit, or go ahead and buy a seal kit and open it up and change seals.

 

[904Bronco]

Yes there is a weep hole at the front of the HB unit where the master bolts up, you can have PS fluid and/or Brk fluid leak out.

It is a crap shoot, you could clean it up and run it and it could be fine. Or it could piss all over your fender.
You might trade it in as a core and have the Cardone rebuilt unit (seems to be the only rebuilder) leak PS a year after it was installed from the weep hole. (Me)

Assuming you separated the Master Cylinder already, if it is wet in the bore then you could have a go at rebuilding it. I haven't done it, but it sounded from the previous post that it can be done, kits are available, and it is not too hard.

I know I am not answering your question... It comes down to how much do you what to spend on this upgrade and what is your time worth?

Greatest satisfaction is fixing something yourself, biggest pain in the butt is having to do it three times.

 

[the-glove]

Ok thanks. It really does kind of sound like a crapshoot. The rebuild doesn’t look that hard, it’s the quality of the kit seals I worry about. Would suck to take a non-leaking unit and put in poor quality seals that then leak. The reviews on Amazon seem all over the place on the seal kits (A-Team, Pirate Jack, etc). I’m leaning towards just rebuilding it though.

Yes there is a weep hole at the front of the HB unit where the master bolts up, you can have PS fluid and/or Brk fluid leak out.

It is a crap shoot, you could clean it up and run it and it could be fine. Or it could piss all over your fender.
You might trade it in as a core and have the Cardone rebuilt unit (seems to be the only rebuilder) leak PS a year after it was installed from the weep hole. (Me)

Assuming you separated the Master Cylinder already, if it is wet in the bore then you could have a go at rebuilding it. I haven't done it, but it sounded from the previous post that it can be done, kits are available, and it is not too hard.

I know I am not answering your question... It comes down to how much do you what to spend on this upgrade and what is your time worth?

Greatest satisfaction is fixing something yourself, biggest pain in the butt is having to do it three times.