Before buying my truck and joining this forum my only knowledge of the hydraboost system came from the turbo GM camp. Mostly the GN/GNX folks who feel the hydraboost system is probablythe worst part of their car.

They say its leak prone and failure prone and that water causes the belt to slip so you lose power steering and brakes at the same time.

Apparently the brake feel and power are terrible also.

Its pretty common to "upgrade" to vac assist for an all around improvement.


I admit though that in ten plus years as a mechanic I have never had to work on a hydro system. I have only ever replaced one vac booster though.



I see the hydro is a popular swap here, what's your opinion or experience with the system?

 

I haven't had any problems with mine, I like it alot better then the vacuum brakes. The only down side Ive had is, when I towed my truck it was very had to stop.

 

I love the hydroboost in my truck. Feels like I added Brembos to my truck. I bought a used unit off ebay and havent had any issues with it.

 

bought mine used no issues and easy swap.

 

Hydroboost has been standard on the big SUV's for some time. My 2004 Escalade has 105,000 with hydroboost and no problems. I have about 22,000 miles of it towing a 7500lb enclosed car trailer without any issues. The only changes I made was adding more agressive brake pads about 40,000 miles ago. It did make it stop better pulling a trailer but no difference otherwise.

 

Here is the issue with the GN/GNX guys and us with hydroboost and water. GN/GNX guys are running a v-belt system which is prone to slipping with water. I had an 85 buick regal for my first car. Every time it rained hard or I went through a deep puddle I would loose power steering........and IF I had hydroboost I would have lost brakes as well. The hydroboost systems in newer cars DO NOT have the leak issues as the older ones might have had. I haven't heard a complaint yet as far as leaks with this system. I currently do not have the hydroboost system on my truck but its on the top of my list to be done. I have heard and read NOTHING but the best of results from the conversion. I say go for it!!!!!

 

i was just under the hood of my tahoe that i had conveted to hydroboost a couple months ago and i noticed that its leaking where the two halfs bolt together hope ther is just an oring or a gasket that i can replace....
also got a 91 1ton with hydrboost 311k on it and it has been leaking too not sure wher thou havent investigated it yet...

after having hydroboost i wont go back to vaccume.... hydro should have been standard from the factory...

ditch the vbelt.. serpintine belts wont slip unless the pulleys are badly worn or the belt gets slick from slipping (burning)

 

The Slipping of belts is usually on V belt style systems were the belts are adjusted manually. Get rid of the old V belt and run a serpintine belt system. The serpentine system uses an auto adjusting tensioner. There are several guys on here running around with Suppercharges and Hydrobost and you never hear them complain about the hydrobost not working.

 

I have hydroboost and it has ups and downs, braking depends on engine RPM, going from WOT to full braking seams to be an issue.

 

The hydroboost upgrade is the best braking mod for you money. No issues with mine at all.


Yours is just broken then.