Using a damaged Brake Booster?

[Roodaddy]

I would like to know if anyone sees a problem with me using a damaged Brake Booster. I bought a rebuilt booster and MC from NPD. When we were preparing to install it we found that it was damaged out of the box (the Bakelite collar for the rod that goes to the pedal is broken) see photo.

I am going to talk to NPD about a replacement on Monday, but considering the customs brokerage fees, taxes and shipping getting a replacement will probably net me paying an extra $100+ after all is said and done. Not to mention having to wait another 1+ weeks.

Any comments? Advice?
If you think I'm crazy you can tell me...

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc18 ... G_1343.jpg

Cheers,
Bill

[heep70]

I wouldn't. Wait and see what NPD. I would think they would stand behind there products. Let us know what they say.

[seattle67]

Well Bill, of course we think you're crazy, you're Canadian!

But wondering if you can use the part "as is" doesn't make me think you're crazy, but thats because Im crazy enough that I would probably wonder the same thing.

There is a tiny voice of sanity that reminds me that we are, after all, talking about brakes, they are those things that make the truck stop, and the truck actually stopping when pressure is applied to the brake pedal is usually a good thing. But thats just me, Im funny that way.

Ok, seriously Bill, it may work just fine, but is the risk worth it?

[FORDification]

Well, it's up to you. The part that's broken is just a way of keeping the shaft clean and dry, and to prevent moisture from getting inside the cab. You could probably goop it up with something, but I'd first check to see if NPD will make it right. They wouldn't need to replace the entire booster, just send you a replacement for the broken piece.

[Roodaddy]

Well folks, this thread should in "the stupidest thing I done" thread.

The broken part seen above is VERY important. It provides a seal to the booster and without it the vacuum will suck air right through the booster. "How did I find this out?"...I installed the damaged booster and had no brakes, plus I could hear the vacuum sucking air out of the cab when the brakes were applied. Not to mention I finally noticed that the new/damaged booster is the wrong part!!! It’s much bigger than the original.

Solution: Went to the local parts place and bought the correct booster. Installed it all again (much faster than the first time of course) and I’m back in business. I just have to bleed the brakes a final time, but I’m too tired today.

I have learned some important (and expensive) lessons: Shop locally, pay attention to every detail of replacement parts and when dealing with auto parts “if it wasn’t important it wouldn’t have been there in the first placeâ€

[fordman]

did you call npd at all? i was wondering to see what they would have done about it. if they would have made the shipper pay for returning tit to them or what.

[FORDification]

That doesn't sound right....you say the booster was the wrong one, do you know what it was actually for?

On our trucks, that boot is nothing more than a protective device. It simply rests in-between the firewall and the booster, held in place by pinch pressure, and there should be no vacuum there. It's hollow, so there's no way it should hold in vacuum. It's basically nothing more than an oversized firewall grommet.

[Roodaddy]

Here's my original booster.
The part broken is not the boot, its the Hard plastic collar around the push rod.


The collar moves with the push rod into the booster. When I took the booster to the bench after uninstalling and pushed on the rod, I got a "vacuum release" when the broken part of the collar entered the booster.

I'm guessing the part is wrong because of its larger size and the slight difference to the original metal flange where the collar and push rod enter the booster. Finally, my local replacement is identical to the original.


As for NPD, I spoke to them about returning it and they would give me a credit for shipping. I have not confirmed if it is just the first shipping or all the shipping charges. I'm not sure what I doing yet as I have paid two core fees and only have one core. I think send it all back to NPD and getting them to credit as much as they can is the way I will go.

Cheers,
Bill