Quote:
Originally Posted by bigd65
Just trying to gets halls outlook on them. I have been contemplating getting rid of the hydro assist brake for the conventional vacuum booster brakes. What do y'all think
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It really depends on why you're contemplating getting rid of them. The non-debated 'pro' as others have stated is greater pedal pressure w/less effort vs. vacuum boost applications.
The debatable or subjective stuff:
Unaffected in low vacuum applications? Big cam applications typically have a somewhat choppy, inconsistent idle. I've owned or ridden in more than one car w/a 'big' cam & the power steering was less than stellar @ low speed. That same power steering pump would be what's pressurizing your brakes. Of course this was years ago when I was younger so it was possibly the set-ups not being ideal. My point is I've seen more than one cam grind w/the disclaimer "not recommended for power accessory applications".
Takes up less space? Visually (looking @ the firewall), maybe. Realistically though, where the base bracket of each booster contacts the firewall, they utilize the exact same holes & thus have the same 'foot-print'. You would have several hydraulic hoses running from the firewall down to the front of the motor w/the HB set-up that the vacuum set-up doesn't have. You usually also have a larger capacity fluid reservior that a vacuum set-up doesn't have. Visually to me, those exta items are just as bad as the vacuum 'can' & thus a wash (as well as more places for fluid leaks).
Popular, common swap, in 'other' vehicles? Installing brakes that offer increased clamping force over vacuum in big trucks (or trucks w/large x huge diameter wheels) makes sense. High perf cars w/less than adequate braking systems? Sure. Smaller 1/2 ton swb trucks though? My old 74 could lock the brakes up easily w/ just vacuum assist. Swapping to even more clamping force would have yielded a brake set-up that was too 'touchy' in my application. Locking up sooner does not equate to better braking performance; controlled application of the braking force is better braking.
The HB system is definitely an improvement for many applications; but I don't think it's an 'absolute' better swap.