Part Choice-Brake System

Terlingueno · Apr 30, 2026

I wonder which power brake filter you all would choose if you needed/wanted to replace said filter?

One that is very recently manufactured and around $10 that is marked with this name:

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Or one that was manufactured years ago but it NOS with this name and only $5 more:

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I already made my choice, just curious as to what y'all think

Goldie Driver · Apr 30, 2026

Where are they made ? China and Brazil, surprisingly, are on my No No list unless there is no other choice. Based on No other info other than what you gave above Rochester NOS hands down.

nvrenuf · Apr 30, 2026

Brake filter??

Terlingueno · Apr 30, 2026

nvrenuf said:
Brake filter??

Yeah. Look at the second pic down in this thread:

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/carb-connections-vacuum-booster-connection.49366/#post-1065128

That thread caused me to look at my booster and sure enough, it's there, but I have never thought to replace. It is on the vacuum line from the carb to the booster. Mine is probably from the factory in 1985, so it's time to replace I reckon

The Dorman

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The Delco (Rochester)

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Found a few threads on other forums that stated the Dorman doesn't have the metal band and it can be a failure point.

ali_c20 · May 1, 2026

As it should be replaced annually I would go with the cheap filter. The chance of plastic "welded" together leaking is not higher than a leak under a metal ring holding 2 plastic pieces in place.
I think the filter is for protecting the engine not the booster as air is sucked through the booster into the carb. The check valve that prevents backflow and holds the vacuum is in the booster.
I'm sure @Keith Seymore can explain what it's for as there are many different theories out there.

AuroraGirl · May 1, 2026

ali_c20 said:
As it should be replaced annually I would go with the cheap filter. The chance of plastic "welded" together leaking is not higher than a leak under a metal ring holding 2 plastic pieces in place.
I think the filter is for protecting the engine not the booster as air is sucked through the booster into the carb. The check valve that prevents backflow and holds the vacuum is in the booster.
I'm sure @Keith Seymore can explain what it's for as there are many different theories out there.

false, its for gasoline vapors to be absorbed by the filter whhich will be sucked into the engine when its running. its to prevent the booster diaphrams from degrading from the fuel vapors.

It was gone on gmt400, which had TBI. but on a carb i understand why its there. it MUST be installed vertically or it wont work.

The fact its full of carbon means that it should have a long life, but a replacement isnt a bad idea.

AuroraGirl · May 1, 2026

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for example this is wrong.
To me if you dont have the factory bracket/pipe that holds it vertical off the valve cover area, its worth forming a pipe of the right diameter and using a hose to span the carb nipple to the new pipe (put a flare on it) then form the pipe into the area below the check valve where you can snake a hose into the nipples on both . if its vertical, the filter ahs a right angle so this can also just be held horizontally away from it, then straight shot over. as long as the can is up and down its fine to travel sideways to the check valve
Make sure to use proper booster hose thin or thick walled since this is high vacuum!

Terlingueno · May 1, 2026

So this filter is definitely made by Rochester. Going to get a few more for the stash. Also got a lifetime supply of Gates power brake hose. This will be a tomorrow morning project...

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DoubleDingo · May 1, 2026

AuroraGirl said:
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for example this is wrong.
To me if you dont have the factory bracket/pipe that holds it vertical off the valve cover area, its worth forming a pipe of the right diameter and using a hose to span the carb nipple to the new pipe (put a flare on it) then form the pipe into the area below the check valve where you can snake a hose into the nipples on both . if its vertical, the filter ahs a right angle so this can also just be held horizontally away from it, then straight shot over. as long as the can is up and down its fine to travel sideways to the check valve
Make sure to use proper booster hose thin or thick walled since this is high vacuum!

I tried finding a photo of mine. Don't recall it being secured by a bracket, but now I'm curious

DoubleDingo · May 1, 2026

Terlingueno said:
I wonder which power brake filter you all would choose if you needed/wanted to replace said filter?

One that is very recently manufactured and around $10 that is marked with this name:

You must be registered for see images attach

Or one that was manufactured years ago but it NOS with this name and only $5 more:

You must be registered for see images attach

I already made my choice, just curious as to what y'all think

Rochester of course

Terlingueno · May 1, 2026

DoubleDingo said:
I tried finding a photo of mine. Don't recall it being secured by a bracket, but now I'm curious

In the engine bay of my truck, most of it is essentially stock, including the brake booster, master cylinder. The metal vacuum tube from the carb to the filter is stiff enough to hold the filter vertically and the rubber hose from the metal tube to the filter is pretty short, as is the hose from the filter to the booster. It wiggles but remains just off vertical. There is no bracket. I can probably make it a little more towards vertical when I fix on it tomorrow.

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DoubleDingo · May 1, 2026

Terlingueno said:
In the engine bay of my truck, most of it is essentially stock, including the brake booster, master cylinder. The metal vacuum tube from the carb to the filter is stiff enough to hold the filter vertically and the rubber hose from the metal tube to the filter is pretty short, as is the hose from the filter to the booster. It wiggles but remains just off vertical. There is no bracket. I can probably make it a little more towards vertical when I fix on it tomorrow.

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Probably how mine is

Terlingueno · May 2, 2026

Done changed it out...

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Scruffy49 · May 2, 2026

I thought that was the 1 way valve… Factory issued in Ralph, so I guess 41 years is beyond its rated service life…

Terlingueno · May 2, 2026

Scruffy49 said:
I thought that was the 1 way valve… Factory issued in Ralph, so I guess 41 years is beyond its rated service life…

The round white plastic piece at the booster end of the hose is the valve. Follow the hose back from there and you'll see a black canister with a metal ring around it, thats the filter which attaches to the metal line to the carb. I have a NOS Delco one way valve inbound

Part Choice-Brake System

Terlingueno

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Terlingueno

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