Ferrari 308 master cylinder - Booster whistle noise | FerrariChat

Ferrari 308 master cylinder - Booster whistle noise

Discussion in '308/328' started by reuven, Jun 15, 2019.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. reuven

    reuven Karting

    Apr 22, 2007
    120
    Israel
  2. Martin308GTB

    Martin308GTB F1 Rookie

    Jan 22, 2003
    4,212
    Black Forest Germany
    Full Name:
    Martin N.
    Hello reuven,

    is the whistle noise always present or only if you apply the brakes?
    Independend from the noise. It looks, as if your master cylinder is leaking a bit.

    BTW. are YOU the owner of the GTB in that great, famous Youtube-video from Israel :)

    Best from Germany
    Martin
     
  3. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    35,280
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Tommy
    Just had this EXACT problem with my 99 Jeep Cherokee. Sounded like a hairdryer blowing until I pressed the pedal
     
  4. reuven

    reuven Karting

    Apr 22, 2007
    120
    Israel
    Hello Martin,
    The whistle is permanent, when applying the brake pedal it is getting stronger.
    If you refer to this video: it is my 308 GTB :)
    Thanks,
    Reuven
     
    Milkshaker0007 likes this.
  5. Martin308GTB

    Martin308GTB F1 Rookie

    Jan 22, 2003
    4,212
    Black Forest Germany
    Full Name:
    Martin N.
    Hello Reuven,

    that's the video. I cannot repeat it too often; just great.

    As for your problem. I haven't dealt with my brake servo enough to make any statements. But it sounds as if it needs a rebuild. My question above was, because my car also has a slight hiss just in the moment, when I apply the brakes. It remains silent with the pedal permanently applied and without. It didn't get worse over 20 years so I left it like it is.

    As for a rebuild, there are 'rebuild kits' available. Whatever these are. On pics on dealer websites I just see two rubbers for a three digit $-price, while the front seal is something around $5.00.
    I think dismantling this thing is a challenge and though I meanwhile perfom bigger jobs on my cars I don't know whether I would dare to touch that thing and better would search for a specialist.
    But perhaps you are more courageous :)


    And here's an older thread addressing similar problems:

    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/308-brake-booster.316391/

    Best from Germany
    Martin
     
  6. offtheworkigo

    offtheworkigo Karting

    Feb 23, 2016
    230
    Rockwall
    Full Name:
    Dave Hoffer
    IMO the big rubber diagram inside has a hole in it. Most of the time the hole is from the master cylinder leaking brake fluild on it. A easy fix if you can find the rubber diagram. A little tricky getting it apart. If its like most cars it twist apart with lots of force. Fixed many of them on older cars years ago. The supply of rubber diagrams has gone a way since new cars don't have this problem.
     
  7. offtheworkigo

    offtheworkigo Karting

    Feb 23, 2016
    230
    Rockwall
    Full Name:
    Dave Hoffer
    Check out youtube on rebuilding a power booster.
     
  8. Martin308GTB

    Martin308GTB F1 Rookie

    Jan 22, 2003
    4,212
    Black Forest Germany
    Full Name:
    Martin N.
    #8 Martin308GTB, Jun 16, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2019
    Opening the housing looks like a major PITA :)

    Reuven,
    If you are looking for a specialist and don't mind shippig it abroad to the birthplace, here's a very reputable shop with reasonable costs:

    https://www.casafreno.com/

    Best from Germany
    Martin
     
  9. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
    1,109
    Mansfield, TX
    Full Name:
    Ron
    I had my booster rebuilt a couple years ago here in the US. It cost less than $200 USD and took about 1 or 2 weeks. I think they said they replace multiple (maybe 12 seals? and a diaphragm) during the rebuild. They also stated that a lot of boosters fail after about 20 years due to deteriorating seals and ageing rubber parts.
    I posted a thread on this site if you need more info. Don't chance it, send it off for a rebuild.
    Good luck

    PS. Also a good time to check the check valve near the intake manifold, they often stick open.
     
    waymar likes this.

Share This Page