1997 cougar - how to remove booster

[erubin]

Hi,

my first post here. please help.

I need to replace the brake booster in my 97 V-6 cougar. I can not get it out because it hits the engine and the cowl where the wipers sit. Could someone tell me how to get the booster out?

I lost power in the brakes and I hear a vacuum leak by the brake pedal when i step on it. I also lit a cigarrette and held it by the brake pedal where it goes into the booster. When i apply the brake I can see the smoke getting sucked into the vacuum booster where the pison goes into the booster by the brake pedal.

Thank you.

[JDPascal]

It is normal for the air to enter the brake booster around the push rod. What would not be normal, is for the air to continue to enter when the pedal is pushed and held in a partial application

To test the brake booster, shut off the engine, pump the brake pedal 5 -6 times and hold it down hard. start the engine. the pedal should fall away under your foot.

If it does this it is likely ok

Your lack of brakes could be due to other things beside the booster....


JD

[erubin]

The booster was bad and with the new rebuilt one in place all is well. To answer my own queston: Getting the booster out required taking off the wipers, the wiper linkage mechanism along with the plastic cowl (sits on the firewall). This allowed the booster to rotate out of its spot. Alldata does not mention what needs to be remooved to get the booster out.

Kragen sold me a rebuilt booster for about $100 (Cardone rebuild).