Vacuum brake booster failure

An NHTSA Engineering Analysis into Chevrolet vehicles. Closed 15 December 2002.

Investigation
EA01013
Type
Engineering Analysis
Opened
22 May 2001
Closed
15 December 2002

What NHTSA investigated

Odi upgraded the preliminary evaluation to conduct a full technical analysis, including testing.the testing and analysis shows that a torn diaphragm is a slow progressive type of failure.the tear propagates in a slow methodical manner and braking performance is similar to an untorn unit until the tear exceeds 1/2 inch.odi's testing indicates that tears greater than 1/2 inch required increased pedal effort.however, as the length of the tear increased beyond 1/2 inch, a hissing sound could be heard emitting into the passenger compartment where the master cylinder plunger passed through the firewall. Odi has determined that a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action in the future if warranted by the circumstances.odi's complete technical analysis with test data is attached.

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
ChevroletC/K SERIES1997–2000

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.