No Power Brakes?!?!?!?

[Aero]

It's been pretty cold here the last few days and I've been having a problem with the brakes!
I start the truck and let it warm up for about 10 min, when I go to put it in drive the brake pedal only goes in by about an inch and the braking is really hard, like if I were using the brakes without the engine running.
After pressing the brake pedal for a bit it will plunge down like it has gotten unstuck and resume normal power assisted braking....this only happens when it's really cold.

Any ideas on whats happening?
Thanks,
A

 

[Aero]

Stealership says it's moisture in the brake booster and there is no way of fixing it. They wasnt to sell me a new booster, installed for $1522!!!
Does this sound right?

They also say it's a sealed unit and I can't attempt to fix the one I've got.

Any advice?

A

 

[RunnerUp]

hmm, thats interesting. the only thing i could possibly think of to tell you to try, would be running a can of seafoam in thru your brake booster hose line, perhaps that would remove the water, maybe not though. search yotatech

 

[tk416]

I've got the same issue and was wondering if you ever discivered what the issue was...

It was cold here this morning and the brakes wouldn't depress inititally. After working it. ( trying to push in the pedal with more and more pressure until they started to depress) the brakes work fine...

ANy ideas where to start looking?

 

[Qyota]

Do a search. This is a relatively common problem in cold weather. It is most likely the vacuum check valve on the brake booster. $25 will get you a new one. Replace the grommet as well. Easy to replace - 5 minutes.

 

[rajuncajun]

Happened to me yesterday actually after a -24 C night, I had no brakes while backing up and had to stop with the ebrake.

Took it straight to my mech and he said probably really old brake fluid that hasn't been changed is the best bet. Brake fluid brakes down over time(granted a long time) and will get moisture in the lines, which can then freeze. Just got the truck a few months ago and every piece of maintenance I've done has looked to be way overdue.

Bled the whole system with new stuff and no problems thus far.

 

[quicksilvr]

Stealership says it's moisture in the brake booster and there is no way of fixing it. They wasnt to sell me a new booster, installed for $1522!!!
Does this sound right?

They also say it's a sealed unit and I can't attempt to fix the one I've got.

Any advice?

A

This is a relatively common problem in cold weather. It is most likely the vacuum check valve on the brake booster. $25 will get you a new one. Replace the grommet as well. Easy to replace - 5 minutes.

And THIS is why dealerships have such bad reputations......love 'em and hate 'em.


BTW, my truck does this every once in a while too when it's been really cold. I need to have a brake fluid flush done, and I think I'll probably take Qyota's advice and replace the check valve and grommet.

 

[madbomber08]

Mine does the same thing when its frigidly cold out in the mornings. The first time it happened i think i pooped a little. Anyway, I took my 97 4runner to a mechanic and he said it was probably the brake booster needed replaced. But before doing so I told him just to bleed the brakes and put new fluid in. It has been warm since he's bled them but if we get any more cold days before spring I will repost with an update.