97 passat check valve exploding! HELP!!

I have a 97 Passat, and the check valve that goes from the booster to the engine thing explodes. This of course, causes the brakes to be really hard to press.This has happened 3 times in the last 4 months. what's the real problem? and I'm also wondering if I can cut the tube, rig it so I can install an aftermarket $3 check valve from autozone (cheaper than paying 75 bucks for the whole thing), and will this have any negative effect......any help would be appreciated to help this stranded college student....

The valve might be installed backwards if it keeps exploding.

If its the small valve the size of a quarter i believe you should be able to use one from checker. The valve should be installed so that it holds engine vacuum.

well, the valve is attached to a plastic hose, and it can only go one way..so i ruled that out...and i also installed it exactly the way it looked before it busted....

i forgot to mention, the hose/tube is shaped like one of those old hand drills, and the valve has 2 little tubes on top for smaller hoses...