GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Good Day,
JetBlack is losing brake assist, Couple of months ago I noticed a P0171 and been trying really troubleshooting this issue. Right from changing in take valve cover gasket to running EVAP smoke tests for leaks. Finally found the culprit the damned brake booster(allegedly).

I really am not able to isolate the issue if its the brake booster itself or the seal thats gone bad. I'd really like inputs and experiences from other 2009/2010 Vibes out here.

Does the brake booster fail around 125k mi? Do you happen to have any other suggestions for me to test out? All I am sure for now is that I am losing pressure somewhere in by brake system.

My Chevy dealer @ Sacramento wants $780 dollars to fix it. Parts seem to be about $240 rest is labour.

Has anyone already performed this repair. love to hear from you!

looks like no other vibes had a leaky or failed brake booster

JetBlack wrote:looks like no other vibes had a leaky or failed brake booster

Correct. You are the first to experience such failure if indeed that's really what the problem is. Did any rust/corrosion around the booster promote this problem? Does it look like it was already changed by previous owner or damaged? A very isolated problem for sure and at least on this forum, you are the first Congratulations (not really)

Just to double check: make sure it is not the brake booster hose only. Rubber gets hard and has trouble to seal against the metal nipples. I would not be totally surprised if a $10 piece of hose would fix this problem.

Diagnosed, was a leaky brake booster. Coming up with a guide to troubleshoot and fix the issue along with the tools required.