Brake Booster

[mrrapidan]

My check engine light has come on and I took it to a local Indy, and they didn't give me the actual code but said it was a "lean burn" code or something like that. They attributed this to my brake booster which I can hear hissing. I guess my question is does this sound legit and is $855.00 a reasonable amount to fix the problem, unfortunately this going to have to wait so I can save for the fix.

[ivanwakeup]

lean burn? does he mean that your motor has a lean fuel mix and isnt getting enough fuel? i'm not sure i would equate a lean mix with your braking systems.....

lean mix is usually a result of a vacuum leak.

[Saaber95er]

Check the vacuum pump and pipe/hose to the booster for breaks on the line and that it's connected properly to the booster.

[mrrapidan]

That is it, that a lean fuel burn is the code. They told me the vacuum leak in the booster is causing this.

[SeanD]

Do you know what the actual code was? If you can hear the booster hissing, then there is definitley a vac leak, and could very well throw a code, but I'm not positive. $855 does sound a little steep though. I think you can pick up a new one for under $200, and I would imagine most shops might charge 4hrs to r&r. So I would think $600 may be a little more reasonable. Also, not sure what you mechanic abilities are, but it is a doable DIY, a bit of a PITA, but certainly doable if you need to save the money.

[ivanwakeup]

Originally Posted by mrrapidan

That is it, that a lean fuel burn is the code. They told me the vacuum leak in the booster is causing this.

oh ok that makes a little more sense..but an 800 dollar repair for a vac leak? i dont think so. I'm not familiar with the expense of brake boosters, but unless you need to replace the whole thing 800 sounds steep.

[Saaber95er]

The Booster might not be the problem, you might just have only a vacuum leak double check the lines and the pump before you shell out on expensive parts and repairs. Try to get that code to try and narrow it down.

[nine2five]

I have the same exact problem, I don't remember the code though. Just so you know I have checked a lot of different places and I have not been quoted for less than $800. It is less than $200 for the part but it's not something I think I could do.

[SeanD]

For what it's worth, if you're hesitant at all about doing the job yourself or would just like to know what's involved, there is a nice write up of a DIY in the FAQ section of this forum. It helped me out quite a bit when I decided to tackle the project.

[Ivan]

I have heard a lot of 03s have this problem including mine! I could hear it hissing but it didn't give me a CEL. It does cause rough idle, but when i press the pedal the leak stops and car idles smoothly. I took the booster of and found that the seal on the back where it connects to the servo is ripped. I do not believe they sell them separately plus you will have to disassemble the booster to replace it.
Here is a similar picture.(not from saab)

[Ivan]

BTW on 02+ cars or the ones that have ESP its a lot harder to replace the servo

[SeanD]

Originally Posted by Ivan

BTW on 02+ cars or the ones that have ESP its a lot harder to replace the servo

Yeah good point... brake lines will have to be removed... I didn't even think about that, now I see the OP has an 03.

[mrrapidan]

They didn't give me the code but hissing is getting louder, they reset the light and it came back on the next day. they said the lean burn could damage the engine, I don't know if that is true but I need to have it fixed for inspection by July.

[LeoLegend]

Originally Posted by mrrapidan

They didn't give me the code but hissing is getting louder, they reset the light and it came back on the next day. they said the lean burn could damage the engine, I don't know if that is true but I need to have it fixed for inspection by July.

Yes, the brake booster is a source for the vacuum leak and at idle if you do not have your foot pressed firmly on the brake, you will get the lean code eventually.

brake booster will need to be replaced to stop the vacuum leak.

[mrrapidan]

With the ESP and having to remove the brake lines, does this make the R & R more difficult? I guess you have to bleed the brakes then also. Was thinking of trying this with some help but with ESP maybe it would be too difficult.

[mrrapidan]

Can anyone tell me if driving the car with the booster leaking like it is (enough to make the CEL come on) harmful to the car? Thanks