Finished up installing a junkyard Hydroboost setup off of an Astro van onto my 71 Cutlass. Replaced proportioning valve and all lines.

Having a problem with the pedal not fully returning when engine is running. It returns as expected when engine is off. Has GREAT stopping power and fluid at all 4 bleeders. I can pull up on pedal and it stays.

Any ideas?

 

Have you completely bled the power steering/HB hydraulic system? You have the hydraulic pressure and return lines routed correctly?

Which PS pump did you use?

 

Factory Cutlass pump. I copied the hose routing from the Astro.

And I assume it’s bled as fluid level stabilized after turning lock to lock a few times.

 

Did you tear down the booster? Junkyard stuff around here is usually full of water and crud. You can get rebuild kits from Pirate Jack, and the basic steps are really easy.

 

I have not rebuilt it.

I noticed at lunch today that the pedal will fully return itself after the car is shutoff (from last application not allowing full return).

 

Remedied the problem. I had added a small cooler inline on the return side. My thinking was it wouldn’t hurt seeing as how I was gonna be using the pump harder (I thought).

Anyway, I took the cooler out of the system. And voila - pedal returns as normal. Exceptional braking power. Well worth the effort.

 

good deal

thks for posting back

 

Good info. Tks for passing it along.

 

Got any pics of the install?

 

I’ll try to get some today. Just keep in mind this ain’t no showcar. It’s a driver. I wouldn’t have one if I couldn’t drive it and romp on it from time to time.

 

I was almost going to go this route and someone talked me out of it. I ended up going 4 disc manual instead and I love it so far.

Did you make your own AN braided lines or did you buy premade rubbed lines (from a Cadillac I believe)?