vacuum booster problems

[72wag]

ok, i got a question about the vacuum booster for my master cylinder. my old master cylinder leaked into the booster, so i replaced that and i also dried out the booster as much as possible inside before reinstalling everything. ok, so when i tested it out, there was no pressure and a lot of hissing/moving air sound when i pressed the pedal.
what i'm wondering is if i replace the check valve($8), which works fine except i need a new gasket/grommet which is the only way to get it, then is there anyway to rebuild the booster? i really don't want to buy a new booster($130) so if there are any other tests that i can do to trouble-shoot this i would be grateful!!!

thanks in advance for all the help!
-cameron

ps - i've replaced all the shoes and one wheel cylinder as well as some brake tubing so i know the problem is'nt at the wheel-end of the system. i also bench-bled the master cylinder before installing it. also, there is plenty of vaccuum pressure so i know that's not it. also, the vacuum pressure as read from the check valve hose is, i think, 18-19, if that helps

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72Wag
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Cameron
1972 Wagoneer
360/2bbl/th400/d20/
31x10.5/15 Pro Comp MT's on AE 589's
Hurculined interior
One working window!!!

[J4GRAND]

I had the same thing happen to my 73 J4000. My good friend runs a brake shop and said that if the fluid is in the booster long enough, it will eat up the diaphragm. I caught mine early enough but still pulled out about a pint of fluid out of the booster.

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"The Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley" 73 J4000
360 V8 2V TH400 QT
FULL-SIZE JEEP: Because size does matter!

[reddog]

I would suggest being very careful about getting your booster rebuilt. I know that when you get one at your local parts store it may well be a rebuild. Once I had to get one rebuilt (by a "reputable" shop) as it was not available and it failed again a little over a year later.

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87 GW - Stock (but it looks like RiverBeast when I'm sleeping)
TFI upgrade
360,727,NP229

[tucsonrick]

yep, brake fluid will ruin a booster and it doesn't take that long.you can get the kit and do it yourself.there are ways to check it,i'll look in my books and get back to you.
tucsonrick
'69Wag(mostly stock)

[tucsonrick]

ok, if you hear air moving in the booster, it's done.after you shut off the motor you should be able to bleed the vacaum off the booster by appling and releasing the brakes,if you can't feel and/or hear the vacaum bleed off, then the unit is not holding vacaum, and is bad.hope this helps,lotsa luck.
tucsonrick
'69 Wag(mostly stock)