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Brake Boost
More stopping power by tapping into your power steering system
Steve Temple / autoMedia.com
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System Setup
Included with a hydroboost system is an accumulator or nitrogen reserve. It stores up hydraulic power steering pressure in the event of an engine-stall condition in order to provide reserve brake assist power for up to three full-power applications of the brake (similar to how a vacuum booster functions in an engine-stall condition). Once you have depleted all of the stored pressure, the brakes will no longer have power assist and will be manual in their operations. The minute you start the vehicle back up again, the accumulator gets filled back up again with pressurized hydraulic fluid.
If spacing is an issue in the engine bay, as is common with many older body styles, the hydroboost saves room over a typical vacuum brake booster, usually about four inches more spacing for tall valve covers, in comparison to the average vacuum brake booster. Of course, the space savings will vary from vehicle to vehicle, and if necessary, the unit can be mounted remotely in the chassis, as shown in the photos.
Some really older vehicles may have drum brakes up front, which is not recommended for a hydroboost system. In this case, you'll also need to add a front disc brake conversion kit, available from a number of aftermarket companies. Whatever your vehicle type, if you're going to swap out the cam for more engine power, consider boosting the brakes at the same time, to make sure your ride has enough stopping power as well.
Resource
Power Brake Service, 562/983-1060, www.powerbrakesonline.com
Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2009
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If your street rod has drum brakes on the front, such as on this '30 Ford, Power Brake Service recommends upgrading to disc brakes before installing a hydroboost system.
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The bottle on the side of most hydraulic brake assist units is called an accumulator or nitrogen reserve. It stores up hydraulic power steering pressure in the event of an engine-stall condition in order to provide reserve brake assist power.
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Anodizing or chemical-resistant paint can be used on the PBS Hydroboost to color-coordinate the system.
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These fittings are for the fluid output (right) and return line (left).
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On the opposite side is the inlet fitting for hydraulic fluid from the power steering pump.
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Shown here is the spring retainer pushes the piston back into its release position. Other interior components include a power piston, spool valve, and hydraulic reaction control for pedal feel.
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Here's a typical installation on a 350 Chevy using braided lines on the power steering pump. Installation requires removing the existing high-pressure power steering line between the pump and the steering box or control valve. A replacement line goes from the pump to the assist unit, then another line from the assist unit to the original steering connection.
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On this big-block Ford, the hydroboost required a slightly rotated mounting for clearance of other components.
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If there's not enough room in the engine bay, the PBS hydroboost can be mounted remotely, in this case on the frame rail next to the transmission.
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