I have the s-10 brake booster on my car. When i hit the brakes it feels like it takes a moment for enough vacuum to build up to allow the booster to fully function. but if i slowly apply the brakes they work very well. also, if i slam on the brakes as the engine is winding down from a high rpm there is virtually no vacuum assist.

My question is, could putting in a vacuum canister in line with the brake booster hose help make my brakes significantly more responsive?

I'm wondering if you just have the wrong booster. I have the Chevy Blazer booster and response is instant. Just a thought

Arn

I have the same s-10 booster that they use in the "$100 brake upgrade" thread. is there a way to test if my hard booster line is leaking? I know my rubber hoses aren't because i replaced them with my engine swap.

I also have this same upgrade and they are also instant. Check your inline filter located on the rear firewall.

I have the same issue as Zeppelin. Where exactly is the filter referenced above located????? Thanks. Ed

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That little filter SHOULD last for the life of the car but sometimes it doesn't. It's located in the engine compartment, against the firewall, pretty much in the middle. Not too far from the V6 front manifold, so maybe that's why they don't last forever. It's GM part number 17070814, a few years ago I ordered one from Gmpartsdirect.com and it made a difference (my old one was cracked and was actually causing a vacuum leak/high idle).

EDIT to add: I just checked the above website. It's still available, $18.42.

[This message has been edited by Doc John (edited 11-25-2007).]

just as a test - run the car for a few minutes, shut it off and let it set, sometime later step on the brakes and you should get some assist for about 2-3 pumps . If not then your booster or check valve(plastic thing connecting the hose to the booster) has gone south for the winter. A good booster and check valve should hold a vaccum indefinately.

quote Originally posted by TT Slick: Another thought, that little fitting that mates the hose to the boster is a check valve, check to make sure it's not leaking down back to the engine.

ya ya - my thought too. the booster should have vacuum built already at the moment the brake is pressed, not build vacuum as you press the pedal.
but, yes, a vacuum canister will help. if you have a cam that doesnt build much vacuum, that could cause some of this also

No, No, Mine has a "cam", and I run a twin tube intake, the brake vacuum comming off of three cylinders. Still no problems.

Well I tried to pump the brakes after i turned off the car but barely had one pump with assist. It can't be the check valve because that is brand new along with the booster. It also isnt the hose on the engine side because i had to make a new one when i swapped the engine. Before i changed anything it did the same thing so i think there must be a leak somewhere from where the hose connects to the firewall to the check valve....hmmmm anyone have any thoughts. thanks