How to Test a Brake Booster and How Much Does it Cost
There are two simple tests you can perform to see if your brake booster is working properly.
Test #1
The first test will show you if the brake booster increases brake pressure as intended.
1. With the engine off, apply the brakes by depressing the brake pedal several times until the pedal feels hard.
2. If the pedal becomes hard, continue to depress the pedal while starting the engine.
3. After the engine starts, depress the pedal slightly. In this case, the brake booster is functioning normally.
4. If the vehicle does not pass this test, the brake booster is defective.
Test #2
1. For the second test, just start the engine and press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the engine off while still pressing the pedal.
3. If the brake pedal does not hit the floor after 20-45 seconds, there is a leak in the brake system, including the brake booster.
4. However, if the brake pedal hits the floor, this does not necessarily mean that the brake booster is the problem.
5. Before identifying that the brake booster is the problem, you need to rule out other potential leaks in the system.
How much does it cost to replace a brake booster
Replacing a brake booster isn’t the cheapest job in the world. The total cost for parts and labor is usually between $500 and $800 for everything you need to get back on the road. These costs vary depending on where you take your car and the type of car you drive.
If you do the job yourself, a new brake booster will usually cost you between $100 and $150, but if you drive a larger vehicle, it could cost up to $300 or more. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have your brake fluid replaced and your brakes bled, which will add another $20-40 to your parts bill.
The labor cost for these services to replace your brake booster is usually in the $300-400 range, but you’ll need to add another $75-100 to that estimate because you’ll also need to bleed your brakes.
If your brake booster is leaking from the check valve, you might be lucky and only need to order a set of check valves and grommets. These usually cost less than $10, but you’ll also need to replace your brake fluid.
