96 Cobra/GT era hydroboost leak?

[DAVID_T]

I'm running a hydroboost from a 96 Cobra. I looked and there a small drip coming out of it, and my brake fluid was empty!

It's a small relief hole that is dripping. But there is nothing to plug it, and I've never seen anything in them.

Has anyone had this issue?

The first photo is the source of a leak from a photo online.
Then the unit installed on my car.

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[seagull81]

The hydorboost needs to be rebuilt or replaced. My daughters 2004 Mustang had the same issue.

[DAVID_T]

That's horrible. This is supposed to be a rebuilt one from Cardone.
I'll call them up.

[Alinnh]

If it’s brake fluid leaking then check the rear seal of the master cylinder. If the hydro boost is leaking then your power steering fluid would be low. The hole is a weep hole.

[canuck1]

It is a weep hole, as noted above. When they do fail (everything mechanical fails eventually), that's the place they tend to drip PS (NOT brake) fluid from.

My donor unit came off a 96 GT of unknown mileage. When it began dripping PS fluid, it dropped right on a DS header tube. The corresponding smoke is what first got my attention.

When I replaced it (must be 10 years or more now) I was able to buy a new unit from Ford (this one was meant to fit 96 Cobra) but I think that avenue has dried up. Rebuilt is your best bet. There are service kits out there but none that are Ford specific, you'd have to be able to match your hydrobooster assembly with the hydrobooster manufacturer (not Ford) part # to be sure to get the right kit. If its a newly rebuilt, send it back for exchange?

If your brake fluid is empty, you've got a different problem.

Sean