Hydroboost leaking, can I repair?

[Leadhead]

The brake hydrobooster on my '98 Sub with the 6.5 turbo diesel has a chronic leak which has been getting worse. A replacement unit is between $200 and $300 and we simply cannot afford it right now. The leak seems to be coming from between the two halves of the main body of the unit, so I was wondering if this is something that I can split apart and repair/replace a gasket. It's very possible that this gasket is not available by itself but maybe I could make a custom one.
Is this idea at all feasible? I'm sick of filling the power steering pump all the time!

Thanks!

[777stickman]

I looked thru my '98 C/K factory service manual and could not find any reference to repairing the Hydro-Boost. Only reference was replacing it or some of the external parts (accumulator, etc).

I looked at my '98 Sub 7.4 and I think I saw were you're talking about.

My suggetion is to go to a Chevy dealer and have them look up what part you need. I would assume it's going to be an o-ring.

Have you tried to tighten the bolts that hold the 2 parts together? (most likely you have, but had to ask).

Also, if you do go to a dealer, make sure you have the VIN available so they can look up the right part.

One more thought is a Pick-n-Pull or junk yard for a used one. If they are cheap you could use it to take it apart and see what you might be getting into.

[maxwedge]

Correct, there is no application for field repairs of the Hydro Boost.

[Leadhead]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.
Ok, no field repairs, but how about driveway/garage repairs?
Seriously, I suppose it'll be necessary to take it to the dealer as you suggested. You would think such a seal would be replaceable if, of course, they'd sell it to me in the first place.
One other question. GM apparently used 3 different brake systems on this year of vehicle. You're supposed to look at the Service Parts ID sticker "in the glove box or under the hood" to find out if it has the JD5, JD6 or JD7 brake option. I cannot seem to find this tag. Any suggestions?

[Reflash]

If you give the vin# to parts dept at a GM dealer, they can tell you.

Or if you'd like, PM me the vin and I'll look it up for you.

[ulremember]

Hello to all!
I have done a little research on the subject. I spoke with my local dealer and they informed me that there were no kits available. BUT all of the parts are available. I downloaded an exploded parts view of the hydra, it appears that the problem will be a "o" ring. Looks like a "figure 8 with out the crossing lines". It is called #32 Seal, Cover housing. There are a few seals around the input rod #27 on sheet.
Here is the site were I downloaded the view:http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm
I hope this helps. Also try this site. They have some kits but not for mine:http://www.mbmbrakeboosters.com/

[Leadhead]

I apologize for taking so long to get the VIN, but here it is:
3GNGK26F9WG131231

Thanks,
JC

[maxwedge]

Made in Mexico, nice, that is the 3 in the first digit, anyway make sure before removing the boost for any work, to pump the pedal about 10x key off to bleed down the stored pressure in the accumulator.

[RJLipscomb]

Low and behold, my made in Mexico 2001 2500 has a leaking hydro-boost unit. The dealer wants +/- $800 for the part. Anyone know of more reasonable places to get one? (and the master cylinder as well...)
VIN # 3GNGC26U61G124225

[jtmarten]

I picked up a rebuild kit on ebay for about $30. Includes all the seals, o-rings, recharged accumulator, instructions, etc.
The same seller has units already rebuilt and new ones as well. When I bought the kit, his rebuilt units were going for $100.