real time help, brake problem near denver CO

[rc51kid]

I am driving from Atlanta to NW Wyoming in my 94 FZJ80. Right now i am near Denver. I started having a intermittent brake problem today and it feels like it is getting happening more often. Some times i press the brakes and i get hard pedal, all the way at the top of the stroke. The brakes still work but take a lot of force. Usually if i let go and try again they work. I think it might be my master or my master not holding a vacuum. The brake calipers, pads and rotors are all good. no leaking fluid or low level of fluid from what i can see. Is there any one way valves or check valves i can test out? Any ideas of what i can trouble shoot? Here is the big question, anyone near Denver have any brake parts or sale that i could pick up tomorrow? I am about to go look i the classifieds right now. Craigs list looks like it is parting a few 80s near Denver but i would rather work with a mud member.

 

[scrowley]

Signs of a bad brake booster. You can also check for a vac leak at the booster. big grommet with vac hose going into it.

 

[rc51kid]

how would i go about checking for a leak at the check valve gasket? Also does that check valve just pull out?

 

[DSRTRDR]

check the Colorado forums for MUD members in Denver

nuclearlemon and Pighead come to mind - I am sure they know the best junkyards

 

[half k cruiser]

Take a look at your booster and make sure the vacuum connections are tight. Also look around the bottom and around where it bolts to the master cylinder, see if its corroded.

 

[CruiseOrlando]

FSM process for checking brake booster:

 

[ajax1]

I'm in Denver just off i70 and Kipling I have tools , most yards at least Yota Jim and Yota yard closed let me know

 

[LandCruisinMy93]

X2 on booster, or a failing check valve

 

[rc51kid]

I'm in Denver just off i70 and Kipling I have tools , most yards at least Yota Jim and Yota yard closed let me know

Thanks, i am going to head to the yards. If i need a hand i will be in touch. This really helps.

 

[DARKNESS]

Slee also stocks some parts. Could try there.

 

[rc51kid]

Slee also stocks some parts. Could try there.

I could not find any hours listed on Slees page. Do you know if they are open on Sat?

 

[DARKNESS]

I think they are appointment only, but try calling.

 

[ajax1]

Few part outs in craigslist, or just go to oreilys

 

[CJF]

Napa carries a good quality replacement. Don't know if they'd have it in stock right at the store, but definitely worth a call.

 

[dan360]

Going through same thing...it is the booster. NAPA part is Aisin, same as OEM. Less than $250. Usually in stock or can get by following morning.

Best of luck!

 

[blkprj80]

He's all fixed up and running again with a used booster. We were able to swap it out in about 2 hours. With another 3 hours of BS-ing and 80 information exchange.

It was good to meet you rc51kid! Hope the rest of your trip goes smoothly.

 

[applecran]

I'm having the exact same issue right now. Did you replace the booster and master cylinder together, or just the booster? Thanks.