Brake hiss question.

[riomar000]

I have a 1999 toyota solara 3.0 and while in the drivers seat i hear a slight hiss when the car is on coming from what i can only assume is something associated with the brake system. The only other bit of info i can give is that as soon as the brake is pressed it hisses a little louder. The vacuum line to the brake booster is in good condition as well. I'm tryin' to get this weathered solara back to mint, any info would be appreciated.

-Mario

[ThurzNite]

Brake booster. Known problem in the 99 model year. In 2000 they changed the part number. There's 2 ways you can fix this: the right way, and the ghetto way. The right way is to replace the brake booster. It's pricey. I found a used one with lifetime warranty on ebay. The first one they sent me, you could see the seal was broke where the master cylinder attaches to the booster. I had them send me another, seal was good, installed and problem fixed.

The ghetto way is to replace the seal between the master cylinder and the brake booster. It's made of paper or cork. Costs less than $10. I don't recommend this method, but I've read in other forums people have done it.

While the master cylinder is out, be sure to inspect the rod to be sure it's good and seal is good.

Dr J

[hardtopte72]

If you do replace and install your own brake booster you need the Special tool to adjust the rod in the booster. I have seen someone not use it and the brakes drag when the car was driven on the highway.