2000 Express 1500 Vac Booster Issue
 

Recently had a brake job on a "new to us" conversion van BUT it appears the booster and/or check valve are bad at times. The booster seemed to be making the brakes drag. Self-applying brakes complete with the NASCAR race smell of nearly-overheated brakes.

Today that was confirmed as I disconnected the booster and plugged the vacuum line to the check valve. YES, no power brakes is tough but they did not drag as before and the engine was smoother and tranny did not labor. Since it is a 2000 and the booster & master cylinder are 14 years old(born in 1999), both will be replaced.

PS: This was also flogging the heck out of the tranny as it had to operate with brakes partially on. This did not happen during the test drive before buying it but oh well.

BTW, does anyone here have approx. 2013 prices for getting this done at a shop?
Local parts houses have the booster at about $90 and the master cylinder at about $130. I could do it myself but TIME is a factor.

Thanks!