Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Vacuum pump can not keep up

[P Madrid]

Some time ago there was a post about loosing power assist brakes on trucks with vacuum power brake boosters, 94-96, while backing up a trailer at low engine speed. I experience that a couple of days almost hitting another trailer. There was talk about a kit that consist of a reservoir tank(s) and lines to assist with the vacuum. The part number for that kit was listed as #04856425 and a list price at my local dealer of $410. Has any one had this kit install and what did you pay for it? Why should we pay for this kit when this is a safety hazard. Maybe together we can make this a recall or at least supply the kit at no charge since I hate having them do any work on my truck.

 

[illflem]

$410 sounds like a typical Dodge rip-off. I've seen vacuum reserve tanks offered as options with aftermarket cruise controls for vehicles with weak vacuum systems for as little as $12. You would have $398 left over for some tubing and a tee. That's all that's required, no rocket science involved here.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Two things - are you sure there aren't any vacuum leaks helping to loose your vacuum? Don't forget the check valve could help cause this as well as a hole in the power brake diaphram. I've run into this on some school buses. - a new brake booster solved the problem (after verifying it was the culprit).



Provided you do not have vacuum leak A MUCH cheaper way to fix this than the stealer is to go to a junk yard. Many older school buses and trucks with hydraulic brakes with vacuum boost assist had LARGE vacuum storage tanks under the chassis. - you could pick one up cheap and plumb it into your existing system for under 50 bucks (probably closer to 20).



Dan



Ah - illflem has faster fingers but the same thought. - oh yea - use a vacuum gauge and some needlenose vice grips with sockets over the jaws (to protect the hose) to isolate your system if it does have a leak.

 

[jimk]

vacuum

[ I had the supply hose suck flat on my truck so installed a half inch stainless tubing and a couple of short pieces of hose.

I think illflem is dead on about the tank.

I dont know what year the systems did away with the vacuum brakes but I had rather have the newer style on my truck. Just anouther reason to buy a 98 for me instead of the 95





QUOTE]Originally posted by illflem

$410 sounds like a typical Dodge rip-off. I've seen vacuum reserve tanks offered as options with aftermarket cruise controls for vehicles with weak vacuum systems for as little as $12. You would have $398 left over for some tubing and a tee. That's all that's required, no rocket science involved here. [/QUOTE]

 

[LandShark]

Another thing to check is the check valve which plugs into the brake booster reservoir tank. Dodge had some problems with these a few years back and changed the design on the replacement part. As I recall, they are lass than $10.

 

[Joe G.]

Does anyone know if the later hydo boost system can be installed on a '95?

 

[P Madrid]

I did ck everything and there are no leaks and all the ck valves that I'm aware of are working. This only happens when I do repeated brake applications at idle while trying to back the trailer in to a tight spot, during normal driving I have no problem. I do have a few small tanks I can use as reservoir but wanted to see if there was a Chrysler way of correcting the problem do to any legal actions in case of an accident. I almost back into a speed boat and I had all my weight on the pedal. Thank You for your advise. Pablo

 

[Bob Horrell]

Pablo,

I had the same problem with my '96. I went to the dealer and complained about the safety aspects and ended up getting the kit for free. I lost my brakes while towing a 4 horse gooseneck in the Colorado mountains in a snow storm. I was not happy about the situation and let the dealer know. The dealer wanted to test the truck to see if he could duplicate the problem. I told him I didn't have the problem around town, only at high altitude and and with multiple brake applications in succession. I had a buddy with me as a witness and I asked the service manager to sign a piece of paper stating that he would not fix a safety problem, but would sell me a fix. I stated that when I had an accident related to the brake failures he would be listed in the lawsuit (I have never sued anyone in my life and doubt I ever would). He ended up giving me the kit and I installed it myself. It solved the problem.

The kit consists of two storage tanks that are installed in the space behind the headlights. A simple connnection into the line exiting the vacuum pump and your are done.

You might try what I did. I know it is a scary feeling when the brakes suddenly have not vacuum assist.

Good luck.

Bob

 

[Deezul1]

97 went to hydroboost brakes, I have had both and the 2 years are identical in almost all respects so a trip to the junk yard might get you the parts to eliminate the vacum system.

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by P Madrid

... wanted to see if there was a Chrysler way of correcting the problem do to any legal actions in case of an accident.

Changing over to hydroboost was DC's way of eliminating the safety problem, tough luck to folks that bought eariler model trucks. I've personally only had a problem with low brakes a couple of times. One advantage of the vacuum assisted systems is that there was a recall to improve the vacuum system that came with a 7 year warranty on the entire vacuum system. The reserve tanks should have been included but... Later rigs with hydroassist have the same vacuum problems (oil in the lines)but aren't covered by the recall because once DC removed the brakes from the vacuum system the safety issue was eliminated.



I like Bob's approach to the problem, seems like a good way to go.

 

[P Madrid]

The dealer call me today and I was hoping they would offer me the kit, well, they did for $410, told me that none of their mechanics have ever install one and they do not know if that will take care of the problem. They know I work for a Cummins Distributor and if I get one there might be more to follow so they want to play it off. Next step is the manager. I know that if I start using the word lawsuit I will probably get one right away but I rather approach it differently and open theirs eyes to the safety hazard this is. Sooner or later there will be a lawsuit from some one and hopefully there are not fatalities involve. My Service manager is looking into reporting this through the right channels for a recall investigation. Lets see how things turn out. Pablo