[hunterstein555]

I've read there's 2 methods for removing the brake booster, 1 being remove the whole bracket and the other just move the master cylinder out of the way. However, it seems that cars 2002+ with ESP also need the ABS/ESP unit whatever removed as well

Considering I would also have to remove the ESP unit, is the method where you undo the bracket bolts easier in this case?

Anyone done the job before?

 

[hunterstein555]

No one done this?

I didn't think it was the most common failpoint but I've definitely confirmed it's the booster by taking out the vacuum hose that goes in to the booster and putting my finger over it, which causes idle to fluctuate for a second and the hissing noise disappears

 

[QUATTRO BAJEENA]

This writeup of the job on a '99 mentions disconnecting the ABS unit. Anecdotally, when I was gathering up some junkyard brake boosters I remember disconnecting "the metallic object with the brake lines coming in and out".