Stop the Brake Failure: Extending the Life of Your Avanti Power Brake Booster
Summary:
Is your Avanti’s power brake booster prone to premature failure? During the 1970s, Avanti specialist Dan Booth identified a recurring issue with Bendix boosters: internal contamination was significantly shortening their lifespan. Avanti Motors eventually solved this on the 1982 production line with a simple but brilliant inline air filter.
In this technical guide, Dan explains how owners of 1963–1981 Avantis can retrofit this factory-correct NOS Part #1701869 filter to protect their braking system. This easy, two-minute installation keeps harmful debris out of the booster, ensuring long-term reliability. Best of all for the "concourse" crowd, the upgrade is completely reversible for show judging. Learn how to save yourself from an expensive booster rebuild with this authentic factory secret.
Key Technical Insights:
The Contamination Problem: Why early Bendix boosters fail and how an inline filter stops the damage.
NOS Part #1701869: A breakdown of the original factory solution implemented in 1982.
Simple DIY Install: Step-by-step instructions for plugging the filter into your existing vacuum lines.
Concourse Friendly: How to maintain a 100% factory-correct engine bay while benefiting from modern reliability.
Power Brake Booster filter and hose, New N.O.S
Avanti New Original Stock power brake booster filter and Hose
It was originally installed on 1982-1985 Avantis. It will fit all 1963-64 Studebaker Avantis and all 1965-1981 Avantis. It should also fit other car and truck power brake boosters, if they have a 3/8” I.D. hose. It’s original purpose was to eliminate the contamination from entering the booster. It really worked and extended the life of 1982-1985 Avanti power brake boosters. The Avantis from 1963-1981 that didn’t’ have a power brake booster filter, they had a much shorter life before a rebuild was required.
DAN'S PRO TIP: From 1963-1981, Avantis did not come equipped with a booster filter, often leading to premature booster failure. This authentic N.O.S. filter and hose assembly (standard on 1982-1985 models) is a direct retrofit for all earlier Avantis. It is the single best way to protect your power brake booster from internal contamination and costly rebuilds.