The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Repair kit for hydrovac!

Anyone out there no where I can purchase a repair kit for a hydrovac for my 51 2 ton Chevy SW?

these guys can help you. it will be more helpful if you have the tag stating which bendix unit you have. i got some kits back in dec 08 http://www.abspowerbrake.com/

Or try BSC. They have parts that ABS doesnt carry.

http://remanincorporated.com/

Jeff

I found that, by the time you order the right parts, clean and refinish the unit, the $$$$ add up. I bought a NEW unit for antique military trucks for a reasonable amount. It's a perfect match. http://www.vehiclesofvictory.com

I have a complete, untouched original unit available for sale if anyone needs it for core or rebuild.

I got a replacement from NAPA but had to send my old one in as the core replacement. It was very reasonable.

I had also thought of rebuilding mine but then I wondered how would I test it to see if it worked as it should. With all the valves and stuff it would make me wonder.
Virginia.....Whats reasonable in $$, cause I think I'd like to buy a new one.

Dan

Boy that's some good news! Can you give me some better contacts like the napa shop phone number and the price range and time you had this done. I'm doing some research myself. Look forward to hearing from you guys. Thanks again Priceless.............

I'll have to look it up but that was about four years ago. I'd go NAPA.com

I just bought a rebuilt Hydrovac for my '57 GMC from CarQuest $240.That was 10% over cost,so expect to pay more unless you have a buddy at the parts counter......

It was actually http://www.napaonline.com/ and I put my part number in. It was on the tag on my hydrovac. I'll see if I can find the price I paid also.

I found the thread on Stovebolt.com here: https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...c&topic=0&Search=true#Post149238

I wrote on here 30 November 2006: "It was $269 plus $184 core. Seems expensive to me but it might stop the truck in an emergency and then it might be worth the cost. Atleast I've ordered it. We'll see how long until it arrives..."

Its about $50 for the basic kit and about $100 for the complete kit. I rebuilt mine and it works great.

Heres the info from the rebuild if your interested.

Jeff

Rustednuts,
That link you posted earlier for BSC takes me to Reman. Is that the place to get a rebuild kit for a hydrovac? Since I am redoing my entire brake system I want to rebuild mine.

Good Evening,

This is my first post and I also am looking for a Kit to rebuild two of mine and that is what has lead me to this site. I have attempted to follow the links also and without talking to an actual person at the perscribed location, I have not found the listing of the rebuild kit.

I have read through the "how too" by Jeff and am looking forward to this operation. Just wanting to make sure I have the kit in hand before I tear into the unit.

Thanks
Mark

Super55, yup thats the place. They must have changed the name recently. I know the website address changed awhile back, but now it looks like the names changes as well.

Mark, check out the two links above. You should be able to call them up and get a kit. Youll need the number on the small tag thats bolted on with the J-bolts. Mine didnt have the tag and I ended up sending mine in for comparison so they could get me the proper kit.

Jeff

Hey, Just a little update. With this Hydrovac being so old I never thought I could walk into my Local FLAPS and get one, so yesterday I gave it a try and the guy says there's 3 in the warehouse and it will be out here today.
Mine still had the brass tag on it {37400 } which helped locate the correct one in the parts book.
If the kit is $100, then I chose to spend another $140 and have one ready to go in my hand,especially after seeing the condition of the inside of my old one when I removed the fittings.
I wish some other parts for a 52 2ton were this ease to get.

Dan

I also got mine at napa for my 65 C50. Walked in and told them what I had and they looked it up and said it will be here tommorow. gave them my old one in trade and $225. and had it in my hand ready to put in. I did all my own work on the braking system. Made new lines- rebuilt some of the wheel cylinders had to replace some of them because of pitting. But I wasnt about to tackle the hydro.

Hey rustednuts, is that tag visible from below. I don't see mine. I am guessing it is much like a carb tag which I also didn't have. >_<

Super55, its a small triangular tag about 3/4" wide. Depending on how much gunk is on your hydrovac, it may not be visible.

Guys
I need help in identifying a part. I think it is part of the hydrovac system. This part is located behind the seat in the lower rear corner below the gas inlet. The part looks like a oil filter.It has a hose on it connecting to the hydrovac. When I was trying to bleed the brake system by pumping several times, this part would make a plunging noise.What is this part and it's function?

Also guys, there is no tags on my hydrovac. I purchased a pressure tank and lit.on bleeding proceedures. I'm going to give it a go this afternoon. Any suggestion would be greatly appreiciated.

That filter is probably the air filter. They usually have a remote filter and a tube coming off the control body, or the air filter is included right in the top of the control body.

I cant recall hearing any noises coming from mine while pumping, so you may have a problem with the hydrovac. As an added precaution prior to start up, pull the small plug off the rear of the power cylinder and add a little mineral oil or a thin non-petroleum synthetic oil if it doesnt dribble out of the hole. It only takes 1-2 ounces of fluid.

Jeff

If you can hear air moving through the air filter (little cap on the floor) that's a good thing...that means the piston is moving and not stuck. The filter keeps the atmosphere side of the piston plunger clean, the other side is the vacuum side. As the piston moves back and forth you hear the air going in and out.

Mike B

I agree with Mike B. I can also hear a "sucking sound" when I push on my brake pedal which tells me it is still working!

A quick and easy way to test the Hydrovac on a truck that will run is to put your foot on the brake pedal before you start the truck, apply medium pressure to the pedal, hold it steady and start the truck. If the pedal drifts down just a little as the truck starts, then it's working.

Mike B

I am going out to remove my hydrovac this morning. Once out I'll try to determine which one it is (it's off a 1948 and original I am guessing). I haven't decided whether to rebuild it or replace it. I am leaning towards rebuilding it after reading rustednuts' tech tip. I just want to make sure I get the correct rebuild kit.

i have also just finished all the brake work on my 65 except for hydrovac,ive left that till last.i have spent 1000 bucks on new wheel cylinders,master cylinder,lines,and beer.I did not need drums or shoes or spring/hardware.If i have any advice i would say "drive em dont park em"-look what happens,the hands of time roll in and-well you know....Timbuk

I just got my hydrovac out and I found one of the tabs on the top piece that holds the J-bolt is broken. Looks like I will not rebuild this one. I think this time it would be easier to go with a reproduction. Check out this site someone else posted, http://vehiclesofvictory.com/buying-selling/reproduction-to-parts/
Let me know if you see a problem with this unit. Not sure what a series three is. By the way, no id tag on mine.

Mike B
Absolutly right with your info. Bleed the hydrovac today with a pressure tank and everything is working great. Thanks for your help on that part behind the seat! Will post pictures before and after. Dump body being taken off this week for sandblast and minor steel repair then paint. Minor fender body work done at the same time.

I don't see a tag on mine('54 GMC 630), still in the truck, where exactly is the tag located? On yours?

Thanks,

Ed

Ed,

You have probably see this excellent "Bendix Hydrovac Overhaul" Tech Tip, by Jeff (rustednuts)?

Thanks for asking about where to find repair-kits/parts.

Tim, yes I have seen it and read several times, some px won't open. I just need to see if I can find the PN so I can order a kit.

Thanks,

Ed

http://www.cadillacpartsltd.com/

Give Mike a call at Cadillac Parts LTD 856-753-6788. He can put you a kit together. I just ordered mine for my 47 and a good price also considering thses things are getting harder to find.

Hey I'm goona try them for my 54 630. Good info

I ended up having mine rebuilt. Could not find parts in Canada and once exchange factored in was not much more to have it done for me.
Excellent shop not far from me able to do it, but won't sell just parts kit.

Is the shop you refer to John Stuart? I've had them stainless sleeve a master cylinder and been satisfied.
http://www.johnstuartpowerbrake.com
/

Yes, that's the shop. Did my master and hydrovac, also relined the propeller shaft brake shoes. Excellent workmanship.

I have to resurrect this thread as I’m too new of a member to PM “rustednuts” concerning a complete rebuild kit for the hydrovac on my ‘48 2-ton truck. I have the unit apart, cleaned and inspected. Napa has suspended rebuilding them as well as supplying kits. Rock Auto has theirs permanently back ordered. Emails to others have gone unanswered.

The tag on mine is 374550. Searching eBay I found that number could be superseded to 374515. Neither kit available so far. I will be ready to purchase 4/1/21 but trying to locate a full rebuild kit now.

Can you buy a remanufactured one from NAPA and use your's as a core return?

Without physically calling, there notice says they no longer service or sell etc. etc. etc. The cost of converting to a larger diameter cylinder/piston and modernizing is in-line with rebuilding (if rebuildable) the old 1” or smaller piston units. We highly suggest modernizing boosters as parts will be available in the future..... I’m sure this news will spread rapidly as others visit NAPA and discover the same. Rock Auto is suspending but doesn’t go as far as NAP’s wording.