When I brake while driving, the booster starts, but gives out almost immediately, so I have to basically stomp on the pedal to actually stop. I tested the hose going to the booster, there's no leak. If I start the car with the brake pedal held down, it drops like usual, but a second or so after it ...

Clemens wrote: 27 May 2018, 15:37 Just out pf curiosity: is it a gas powered volvo or one with the audi diesel? The diesels have a vacum pump that goes bad. I just had that on my VW Multivan.

Thanks, but it's gas powered.

FLXC90 wrote: 27 May 2018, 14:44 sitting still do you hear a big chuff of air when you push the pedal?
normal failure mode is a hole in the diaphragm. Other way is hole in the outer housing, like rust-through.

It sounds more like a squeaky toy could that be the same thing?

When I brake while driving, the booster starts, but gives out almost immediately, so I have to basically stomp on the pedal to actually stop. I tested the hose going to the booster, there's no leak.

While making turns in cold weather, one of the rear tires skids. Nothing was wrong with the brakes, but when I went to check the rear differential, the pit for my spare tire was in the way. Does anyone know how I can access my differential or what else I might have to service?