brake booster performance

[German Dude]

A few weeks ago I paid a visit to a brake specialist located inbetween Mosel and Rhine river because I thought my brake booster wasn't really doing much.

He tested it and told me: "It's working alright. The ATE 51 just doesn't do much boosting by design."

I have never driven another pagoda so I have no way of telling what the ATE 51 can do. I know I shouldn't compare it with today's booster performance.

How about you? Are you happy with your ATE 51?

By the way, that guy had lots of ATE T 50s sitting on a shelf - the ones that are even more expensive than the T 51 but, luckily, can be taken apart.

Best,

Juergen
64 230SL #2933, 4sp, signal red, white hard top
2000 320 CDI Station Wagon

[seattle_Jerry]

I know very little about the sl brake system so I'll offer my advice

Is the brake booster a power assist that only works with the car running? If so, couldn't you coast with the car off and feel the difference the booster makes?

The serpentine belt on my cube van broke and boy can you tell the difference. I had to stand on the brakes to stop it.

1967 230SL Havana Brown Auto with A/C

[rogerh113]

Hello,

I am not sure of the differences in model years (especially since you have a very early SL).  On my '66 230SL, the 'power braking' is most noticable when I roll the car out of the garage with the engine off.  Stepping on the brake is like lead and and car is difficult to stop.  When driving the car, the brakes are pretty efficient with good feel - they do not grab but are not like modern brakes.  I rather like the feel.  Put the pedal down hard and the nose dives a bit and the car stops well without lockup.  The brake feel is fairly soft on the foot, so if you are feeling a lot of resistance from the start your experience is different than mine.

Regards -- Roger

[J. Huber]

I recall replacing my booster in the early 1990s. (Even then I think it cost me almost 400) When the old one gave out, it was really obvious. The new one has worked fine and as long as you keep the entire brake system and suspension well-maintained, our cars brake very well. (IMHO).

James
63 230SL

[Shvegel]

Also make sre the vacuum hose to the booster is the right way around. Both end fittings are the same.  

You should have a major vacuum leak with the hose disconnected from the booster and the engine running.