Brake booster

[1998_K1500_Sub]

Bought it for $12,500 a couple years ago, and I'm chronically single but help out with a youth ministry and wanna be able to use it to help with that. Might be helping a guy at my church move too, idk.

Plan to pull a trailer?


Here’s this member’s “experience”…

I don’t have a hydroboost on my K1500 Suburban and I’m very happy with the brakes. I’ve modified my OE JB6 into a hybrid JB7/JB8 system retaining the OE JB6 11” drums and rotors. Stock JB6 brakes aren’t very satisfying.

And for comparison, we have a 1998 K2500 pickup that has OE vacuum boost, 12.x rotors and 13” drums, and a 5th wheel hitch.

Honestly, a vacuum booster and a JB7 MC, for you, would not be your worst option. In fact, it might be your best… assuming yours isn’t a diesel.

IIRC, the only difference between JB7 and JD7 MCs is the bore, 1.125” JB7 vs 1.25” JD7. Honestly, I would have to check the stats on RockAuto again; it may be that the same MC is used for both JB7 and JD7.

 

[RossoRacer]

Plan to pull a trailer?


Here’s this member’s “experience”…

I don’t have a hydroboost on my K1500 Suburban and I’m very happy with the brakes. I’ve modified my OE JB6 into a hybrid JB7/JB8 system retaining the OE JB6 11” drums and rotors. Stock JB6 brakes aren’t very satisfying.

And for comparison, we have a 1998 K2500 pickup that has OE vacuum boost, 12.x rotors and 13” drums, and a 5th wheel hitch.

Honestly, a vacuum booster and a JB7 MC, for you, would not be your worst option. In fact, it might be your best… assuming yours isn’t a diesel.

IIRC, the only difference between JB7 and JD7 MCs is the bore, 1.125” JB7 vs 1.25” JD7. Honestly, I would have to check the stats on RockAuto again; it may be that the same MC is used for both JB7 and JD7.

Lol, somehow this reply didn't show up for me until just now. Maybe I just didn't notice the third page. I don't foresee the need to pull a ridiculously heavy trailer in the near future, but would like to retain the full capacity this vehicle has, in case it's needed.

Also another OEM part with the right number just showed up on Ebay, I'm pulling the proverbial trigger on it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/3955883228...OMF6n2QNZvgb4Vlt/N/Ft0mo7S|tkp:Bk9SR6ry5_-pZA

 

[someotherguy]

Lol, somehow this reply didn't show up for me until just now. Maybe I just didn't notice the third page. I don't foresee the need to pull a ridiculously heavy trailer in the near future, but would like to retain the full capacity this vehicle has, in case it's needed.

Also another OEM part with the right number just showed up on Ebay, I'm pulling the proverbial trigger on it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/395588322880?_nkw=gm+brake+booster+19371352&itmmeta=01J57ZSZ4GA5EJRXQY590JSKM6&hash=item5c1ae6c640:g:lR8AAOSwwepmt-xS&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAA4HoV3kP08IDx+KZ9MfhVJKlW1b9Kvz39hp9AFYAp7A674b2J3gSItj26t4NqFhI/KszYjoK485d7oH/xACLUbVprKXp6MR1312Sz2Sva79mxmfwxiuOCW3Di962cgz+avqzqE6yZaQS5M0TSpST+rzIgxbBxgdmaafizW3B5afttMEO766wZtU1u1liIaF+pQ9V8mNZTJ9zoAsQy735xDC3ChPlTUG4d8Co3Bju7FmBHbVkdeSHqTwtO8pLPwPavwLpXGPeFu6txLiaz4/OMF6n2QNZvgb4Vlt/N/Ft0mo7S|tkp:Bk9SR6ry5_-pZA

Nice price for an OEM part and with free shipping.

I couldn't imagine exchanging hydroboost for a vacuum booster; hydroboost is much more powerful. Yes, more complex and it's not fun when they leak, but they're pretty sturdy.

Be sure to flush your power steering system thoroughly (I'd do so with the old unit still in place) and use quality power steering fluid, not ATF or any other substitute. You can get AC Delco power steering fluid from Rock, pretty inexpensively. 32oz bottle for $9.59, or the "cold climate" version for $16.70.

Then follow the factory service manual for bleeding the system. Wouldn't want to hurt that new booster (or your power steering pump.)

Richard

 

[RossoRacer]

I've been using Valvoline power steering fluid with stop leak to keep it topped off with the old booster(and new pump/reservoir). Probably gonna have the local "stealership" do the install, as I'm not that mechanically inclined and don't have that much spare time.