CCCI Layout

GM PowerMaster Electro Hydraulic Brake System

There are basically four components to the GM PowerMaster Electro Hydraulic Brake System as follows:

1. Master cylinder (may be rebuilt as any master cylinder can)
2. Accumulator (round ball screwed into the side of the master cylinder)
3. Pump (located under the master cylinder)
4. Switch (located on top of master cylinder)

The number one problem is the Accumulator which holds the pressure that the pump develops so that it will immediately react when you step on the brakes. If your accumulator does not have a yellow tag on the drivers side it is the original unit and is probably about 8 years past due on changing out.

Symptoms of the accumulator being bad is the brake light flickers when ever you press on the brake petal. Since it has a diapharm that will eventually rupture it become saturated and cannot hold the pressure as it should, so the pump must operate every time you put on the brakes. The problem is a panic stop may have a short delay which is scary. Accumulators are available at your Buick dealor. A reasonable price is $70.00 to $85.00 and it is very easy to replace. Pump the petal with the ignition off a few times to relieve any pressure, unscrew the old accumulator, screw in the new accumulator and fill the brake reservoir. Have a shop towel handy to catch any drips from the old accumulator.

PowerMaster Electro Hydraulic brake unit motors (GM PN #18011279) rarely go bad, but a few of us have had to replace them. Symptoms of the pumps going bad is the fuse blows typically. If the accumulator is good you have seven stops before the petal gets real hard to push.

The brake light immediately goes if the motor is bad. Pumps are available for $129.95 without core. Does not include; accumulator, switch, hoses, tubes, master cylinder, reservoir or brackets. For more information refer to http://turbocars.tripod.com/ or contact turbocars@yahoo.com, 216-896-2292 or write: Hank Terry; 3480 Cannon Rd; Twinsburg, OH 44087.

Switch: If you have the grey switch have it replaced on the GM recall

CAMPAIGN: POWERMASTER BRAKE
SYSTEM/FAULTY PRESSURE SWITCH
#86-C-15

SUBJECT: POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM MODELS AFFECTED: 1985 REGAL 3.8L TURBO (ENGINE VIN CODE 9) AND RPO LM9 BRAKES 1986-87 REGAL 3.8L TURBO (ENGINE VIN CODE 7) 1986 LESABRE AND ELECTR ESTATE WAGON 1986 CHEVROLET CAPRICE STATION WAGON 1986 PONTIAC PARISIENNE WAGON 1986 OLDSMOBILE CUSTOM CRUISER STATION WAGON

GENERAL MOTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT CERTAIN 1986 CHEVROLET "B" STATION WAGONS WITH POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEMS WERE BUILT WITH COMBINATION VALVES AND PRESSURE SWITCHES WHICH MAY BECOME FAULTY. IF LEFT UNCORRECTED THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A "HARD BRAKE PEDAL" OR "INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL". THESE CONDITIONS MAY BE CAUSED BY A CAST IRON COMBINATION VALVE ALLOWING AIR TO ENTER THE BRAKE SYSTEM OR BY A PRESSURE SWITCH LEAKING BRAKE FLUID.

TO PREVENT EITHER OF THE ABOVE CONDITIONS FROM OCCURING, VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND THOSE EQUIPPED WITH THE CAST IRON COMBINATION VALVE WILL RECEIVE A NEW BRASS COMBINATION VALVE. ALSO, PRESSURE SWITCHES WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY

Spring Choices for Turbo Regals / Thanks Todd T.

All of these springs use one "square" end and one "tangential" end