Why Hydroboost brakes on a 2005 Tahoe 5.3 gas engine?

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Colo Bry

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I'm probably buying a very nice 91k mile 2005 Tahoe from a family member and I noticed a single "shudder" coming through the brake pedal every time I'm just starting to apply the brake. To me that's something to be fixed, because I just don't like anything but smoothness from the brakes in my vehicles. Then when I started exploring under the hood, I noticed the "Hydroboost" brake booster that uses power steering pump pressure for brake boost rather than engine vacuum.

I do have experience with Hydroboost, as it was there in my 1985 6.2 diesel Suburban of long ago. But why would Hydroboost be chosen on a mainstream 5.3 gas engine 2005 Tahoe? I probably won't want to try to convert it to vacuum boost. I hope the "shudder" can be cured by a new hydro booster and/or new PS pump.

Thanks,
Bry
 

Fless

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Not sure why, but the '04 I bought a couple of years ago came with hydroboost. I like it, first I've ever had. I also noticed that braking improved a bit after I had the power steering pump replaced along with some other steering-related work. It had low pressure at idle.
 

Scottydoggs

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my 05 does this too. its like the pedal does a single little push back up as you push the top inch of pedal.

pretty sure its air trapped in the system, just aint had the time to bleed it.

pretty easy to do, jack up both front wheels off the ground, jack via the rad support works for me. they just need to be a inch off the ground, now hop in the truck engine running pump the brake pedal 20 times, then turn off the truck but leave the key to run, and turn the wheels lock to lock 15 times.

i got a work truck with a small p/s line leak, so i have to do this at least once a year on that truck, every time it burps fluid out the pump cap on or off, so lay some cardboard down to save the driveway. it could happen. better safe then sorry.
 
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Colo Bry

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my 05 does this too. its like the pedal does a single little push back up as you push the top inch of pedal.

pretty sure its air trapped in the system, just aint had the time to bleed it.

Thanks! I appreciate the tip. Certainly worth a try before spending money and time to replace stuff. I'll also flush/replace the PS fluid while I'm at it.

Bry
 
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