How bad is the 71 early 72 brake booster?

[Ron Tanzi]

My booster on my August of 71 built 72 went bad about 12 years ago. I hooked up my vacuum pump to the booster to confirm that it was wasted (held no vacuum at all). I got my replacement from Stainless steel brakes. I kept my original and ate the core charge. So far so good on the booster. It fit well but I suspected that it was a booster from a different Ford model since the mounting studs were rewelded in the proper pattern and the Vacuum port was in a slightly different location by about an inch. At least I have the original for a future rebuild.

Ron

 

[basstrix]

A quick test is to press the brake pedal with the engine idling and get a feel for how firm the pedal is, then, release the pedal, let it idle a few seconds, then shut it off and press again. You should get at least one press with power assist and then the pedal will get much firmer....that will give you an idea if the booster is working or not. You'll also want to test the check valve.

 

[GERMYS_72]

A quick test is to press the brake pedal with the engine idling and get a feel for how firm the pedal is, then, release the pedal, let it idle a few seconds, then shut it off and press again. You should get at least one press with power assist and then the pedal will get much firmer....that will give you an idea if the booster is working or not. You'll also want to test the check valve.

Cool. I will try that

 

[Bobby]

Apparently these underwent an upgrade in mid-72 that was supposed to help with reliability. Were that many of the 71-72 Bendix boosters failing? What did they change in them to make them more reliable? Thanks!

The booster on my 72 apparently withstood the time test. I purchased it in 2018 but the braking system was rotten…..I mean the whole system! The booster disintegrated when I removed it. My 72 was assembled in February 72.