Vacuum Booster Repair Service Costs
Hydro-Booster
Typical repair service for a Hydro-Booster system ranges from$375 to $500(3-4 hours of labor). This includes:
- Diagnosis and testing
- Disassembly and inspection
- Seal replacement
- Reassembly and system testing
Hydromax
Hydromax booster repairs typically cost$500 to $625(4-5 hours of labor). Service includes:
- Complete system diagnosis
- Disassembly and internal inspection
- Replacement of seals and worn components
- System reassembly and thorough testing
Traditional Vacuum Booster
Standard vacuum booster repairs generally cost$250 to $375(2-3 hours of labor). This covers:
- Initial diagnosis
- Disassembly and inspection
- Diaphragm replacement if needed
- Reassembly and verification testing
Note: These are typical repair costs based on our standard rate of $125/hour. Additional parts or extensive repairs may increase the final cost. We provide detailed estimates before beginning any work.
Common Vacuum Booster Repair Procedures
Mechanical Vacuum Booster
Typical Repair Steps:
- Visual inspection for external damage or leaks
- Remove booster from vehicle and bench test
- Disassemble outer housing
- Inspect diaphragm for tears or deterioration
- Check pushrod and reaction disc for wear
- Replace worn seals and diaphragm
- Inspect check valve and replace if necessary
- Reassemble unit with new components
- Bench test for proper operation
- Reinstall and verify proper brake pedal feel
Hydro-Boost
Typical Repair Steps:
- Initial system pressure test
- Remove unit from vehicle
- Drain power steering fluid
- Disassemble housing carefully
- Inspect spool valve and housing for scoring
- Replace all seals and O-rings
- Check power piston for damage
- Replace accumulator if necessary
- Reassemble with new components
- Bench test operation
- Reinstall and bleed power steering system
- Test brake pedal operation
Electric Vacuum Pump Booster
Typical Repair Steps:
- Diagnostic scan for fault codes
- Test pump operation and vacuum generation
- Check electrical connections and relay
- Remove pump assembly
- Clean or replace filter
- Inspect pump motor and vanes
- Replace worn components
- Check vacuum sensor operation
- Test vacuum lines for leaks
- Reinstall and verify proper operation
Important Notes:
- Repair procedures may vary by vehicle make and model
- Special tools may be required for certain repairs
- Always use OEM or high-quality replacement parts
- System must be properly tested before returning vehicle to service
All repairs should be performed by qualified technicians following manufacturer specifications and safety guidelines.
Understanding Vacuum Boosters
Mechanical Booster Pumps
What it is:A mechanical booster pump is a positive displacement pump that uses two counter-rotating lobes to compress gas molecules.
What it does:These boosters significantly increase the pumping speed of backing pumps in the pressure range of 10² to 10³ mbar. They're particularly effective at improving the overall vacuum system performance by compressing gases before they enter the backing pump.
Roots Booster Pumps
What it is:A specific type of mechanical booster that uses a figure-eight shaped rotor design pioneered by the Roots brothers.
What it does:Roots boosters excel at handling large gas loads and can improve pumping speeds by up to 10 times. They're ideal for industrial processes requiring rapid pump-down times and can achieve vacuum levels down to 10 mbar when paired with appropriate backing pumps.
Diffusion Booster Pumps
What it is:A vapor jet pump that uses high-speed jets of oil vapor to capture and compress gas molecules.
What it does:These boosters are capable of achieving very high vacuum levels (down to 10 mbar) and are particularly effective in applications requiring clean, hydrocarbon-free environments. They operate silently and have no moving parts, making them reliable for long-term operation.
Compound Molecular Pumps
What it is:A hybrid pump combining molecular drag and turbomolecular pump technologies.
What it does:These boosters provide excellent compression ratios for light gases and can operate at higher backing pressures than traditional turbomolecular pumps. They're particularly useful in mass spectrometry and other analytical applications requiring stable, high vacuum conditions.
Note: The selection of the appropriate vacuum booster depends on your specific application requirements, including target pressure, gas load, pumping speed needs, and process compatibility.
Common Failure Symptoms of Vacuum Brake Boosters: Warning Signs and Indicators
Common Vacuum Booster Failure Signs & Maintenance Schedules
Mechanical Vacuum Boosters
Signs of Failure:
- Unusual noise or vibration during operation
- Oil leakage around seals
- Decreased vacuum performance
- Overheating
- Metal-on-metal sounds indicating bearing wear
Typical Service Schedule:
- Oil change every 3-6 months depending on usage
- Bearing inspection annually
- Seal replacement every 12-18 months
- Full overhaul every 3-5 years
Roots-type Vacuum Boosters
Signs of Failure:
- Increased power consumption
- Knocking sounds during operation
- Reduced pumping speed
- Excessive heat generation
- Oil contamination
Typical Service Schedule:
- Oil level check weekly
- Oil change every 2,000 operating hours
- Gear inspection annually
- Rotor clearance check every 2 years
- Major maintenance every 5 years
Liquid Ring Vacuum Boosters
Signs of Failure:
- Reduced vacuum capacity
- Excessive water consumption
- Unusual noise from pump housing
- Seal leakage
- Bearing temperature increase
Typical Service Schedule:
- Daily service liquid inspection
- Mechanical seal check quarterly
- Bearing lubrication every 6 months
- Internal inspection annually
- Complete overhaul every 4-6 years
Dry Screw Vacuum Boosters
Signs of Failure:
- Increased power draw
- Higher operating temperatures
- Loss of vacuum performance
- Unusual screw element noise
- Bearing vibration
Typical Service Schedule:
- Monthly performance monitoring
- Bearing check every 6 months
- Screw element inspection annually
- Seal replacement every 2 years
- Major service every 5-7 years
Note: These are general guidelines. Actual maintenance schedules may vary based on operating conditions, environment, and manufacturer recommendations. Always consult your equipment manual or manufacturer for specific maintenance requirements.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
