Buick Powermaster System Specs

The Buick Powermaster is an electro-hydraulic brake system installed in turbocharged Buick automobiles from 1984 to 1987. It is a high performance brake booster that became popular with the introduction of the Buick Grand National in 1982. The Buick Grand National took its name from the NASCAR Grand National racing series. Buick manufactured only 215 models in 1982. In addition to the Grand National, Powermaster brake systems went into T Regal, Turbo, T type and GNX automobiles.

Accumulator

An accumulator bulb stores air pressure which helps to stop the vehicle in an emergency situation such as hydraulic system failure. They also provide instantaneous flow of fluid to the brakes during such a failure. The original accumulator bulb for the Powermaster brake system has a smooth face. You can remove it using an open-end wrench at the base of the bulb. The replacement accumulator has a cast hex nut and a circular yellow warning label on its face.

Brake lines feed brake fluid to the brakes of the vehicle. They are made of rubber and stainless steel. Buick Powermaster brake system front-brake-line hoses come in a two-piece stainless-steel hose assembly. They go from the portioning valve to the master cylinder. The Department of Transportation certifies the hoses for safety.

Bleeding brakes is a process of purging air bubbles from the brake lines of hydraulic brake systems. This is necessary because air bubbles in the brake lines reduce hydraulic pressure in the system. The process of bleeding the Powermaster brake system must happen in a specific order; namely, right rear, left rear, right front and left front. The master cylinder must contain fluid at all times during this maintenance procedure.

The roll control is also known as a line lock. It is usually a solenoid which the driver activates with a contact button or switch. As long as the driver has the button depressed, the front brakes remain locked as the rear wheels turn freely. This maneuver saves wear on the transmission, rear end and brakes of the vehicle. The roll control is between the combination valve and front brakes in the Buick Powermaster brake system.