Amplifier repair at home

Vacuum amplifier - a device that is used in the braking system of almost every car. With its help, an effort is made to apply the brake pedal, which is due to the discharge. Due to the use of such a device, the work of the brake system improves, so the driver's fatigue during the journey is significantly reduced.

The design of the amplifier

Quite often vacuum devices fail. In order for the amplifier to be repaired successfully, familiarize yourself with the design of the device before starting work. And it consists of such parts:

• The body, which, with the help of a diaphragm, is divided into two chambers: vacuum and atmospheric;
• In turn, the vacuum chamber is connected to a source of vacuum, which is often used as the area in the engine behind the throttle ;
• That the amplifier worked properly, without interruptions, a vacuum electric pump is used (its use is obligatory on diesel engines);
• Due to the special pusher, the follower valve moves;
• When the braking is completed, the brake pedal returns to its original position due to the presence of a return spring.

Symptoms of a malfunction

Repair of amplifiers can be started only after all signs of their malfunction are revealed. As a rule, the most common failure in the system of the device is a partial or complete inability to create a vacuum. Most likely, this is due to damage to the diaphragm, resulting in a small amount of air entering the vacuum chamber. Also, such a problem can arise due to a break in the chain or depressurization at the connection points of the hoses. In addition, similar malfunctions can result from the loss of elasticity of the valve. In any case, special tests should be performed to identify problems.

How to identify a malfunction?

The finding of any malfunctions in the vacuum amplifier occurs by conducting special tests. Let's consider some of them:

1. Start the engine, and after a couple of minutes, drown it. After that it will be necessary to press the brake. If the amplifier is functional, the pedal will be squeezed out as soon as it is pressed, which means the system will work. Repair of amplifiers in this case is not required.
2. With a further depression of the pedal, there is no discharge, so its stroke should become smaller. But if the difference between the first and subsequent pressing is not felt, then the system has failed. Most likely, additional force is not provided in the main brake cylinder . The repair of the amplifier in this case will help to cope with the problem.
3. It is advisable to do one more experience, which consists in performing several actions. To start, you should turn off the engine, then several times in succession to depress the brake pedal. Once again, press the brake all the way in and start the engine. Repair of the vacuum amplifier is not required if sufficient vacuum is generated in its working chamber. This will be indicated by a slight lowering of the pedal after the ignition is turned on. At the same time, if it stays motionless, it means the system is working poorly. Probably, there are air leaks in it. Because of a breach of the tightness in the chamber, the pressure rises, so the brake pedal will rise. As a result, the driver will have to make efforts to press the brake.

Technology of repair

To perform the repair of the amplifier yourself, you need to familiarize yourself with the work stages. The instruction below can help with this:

• Carefully read all the information that is available in the operating instructions. The amplifier will be repaired without any problems.
• In the car, you should unhook the drive of the device, connected to the brake pedal. It is located under the steering shaft.
• Under the hood, dismantle the GTZ.
• Disconnect the vacuum hose from the check valve.
• Repair the amplifier or replace it completely (this depends on the type of fault).

If in the course of the work there were some questions, it is better to seek the help of a professional who will tell you what's what. It is not recommended to continue working independently in this case.