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Very Odd Brake Problem

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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 7:20 AM
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Default Very Odd Brake Problem

I have a 2000 Chevy Astro, the brakes seem fine under normal application, if you have to push the petal hard to slow down fast you can push the petal all the way to the floor and it just comes to a gradual stop, but the weird thing is if you put the engine in neutral and bring the RPMs up the brakes will throw you through the windshield, and if you push the petal down while at a stop and then raise the engine RPMs the brake petal actually pushes back against your foot.
Any Ideas? I've checked the drums and ran all the lines looking for swelling in the hoses and I've found nothing.
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 8:50 AM
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It's funny you mention the power steering, I actually burned the power steering pump up, and it coincides with the timing of the brakes acting up, I slid out of my driveway and ended up rubbing against the trailer next door, so the whole 15-20 minutes i was trying to get out I had the wheel cut so i wouldn't scrape down the trailer when i finally caught traction, sence then I've had no power steering at idle speed. Just curious, how does the power steering tie into the brake system?
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 8:59 AM
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Oh nevermind, I googled it and came up with the following

HYDRO-BOOST
Though not as common as vacuum booster power brake systems, the Bendix "Hydro-Boost" system dates back to 1973. The system uses hydraulic pressure generated by the power steering pump rather than engine vacuum to provide power assist.
Inside the Hydro-Boost unit, which fits between the master cylinder and brake pedal the same as a vacuum booster, is a spool valve and piston assembly. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the pushrod slides forward and changes the position of the spool valve. This opens a valve port that routes power steering fluid into the cavity behind the piston to push it forward and apply the brakes.
Another component in the system is a pressure "accumulator." Some are nitrogen pressurized while others are spring loaded depending on the application. The accumulator's job is to store pressure as an emergency backup in case pressure is lost (engine stalls or power steering pump drive belt breaks). There's usually enough reserve pressure in the accumulator for 1 to 3 power assisted stops.
Problems with this system can be caused by spool valve or piston wear inside the Hydro-Boost unit, fluid leaks or loss of pressure (worn pump, slipping pump belt, etc.).
A simple way to test the Hydro-Boost system is to pump the brakes five or six times with the engine off to discharge the accumulator. Then press down hard on the pedal (about 40 lbs. of force) and start the engine. Like a vacuum booster, you should feel the pedal fall slightly when the engine starts, then rise.
The leakdown of the accumulator can be checked by pumping the brakes several times while the engine is running, then shutting it off. Let the car sit for about an hour, then try the brakes without starting the engine. You should get 2 or 3 soft brake applications before it takes more effort to push the pedal.
Slow brake pedal return may be caused by excessive seal friction in the booster, faulty spool action or a restriction in the return line to the pump. Grabby brakes are probably the result of contamination in the system or a broken spool return spring. If the brakes tend to goon by themselves, you've probably got as case of restricted return flow or a defunct dump valve. Excessive pedal effort can usually be attributed to internal leakage or the seeping of fluid past the accumulator/booster seal.
If a problem turns out to be in the booster itself, you'll have to replace it. Be sure to depressurize the accumulator by pumping the brake pedal half a dozen times before you open up any plumbing connections, other wise you might get blasted by high pressure brake fluid.
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