Question about switching out a car's brake booster

[JeffC]

I know it's the brake booster because there is a loud hiss when my car is running and then if I hit the brakes, the hissing stops, coupled with an extreme loss of brake power/increased need for foot pressure when braking.

The question is, if I switch out the brake booster, will I have to bleed the brake lines or is that only if I disconnect the brake lines?  the plan is just to move the master cylinder over a bit and not disconnect it or the brake lines.  There seems to be plenty of room to get the booster out without having to go crazy. I'm asking because I don't know if I feel safe doing a full-on brake overhaul, so in that case I would have to pay a mechanic.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[kendallf]

If you just swap the booster, there's no need to bleed the brakes.  Most cars allow enough room to do this, although it's easier to just take it off. 

[The_Dude]

Yup. If you have room to move the master cylinder away without kinking the metal lines you won't have to bleed the brakes.

[BlueMR2]

I'd bleed the brakes anyways since it's very easy to do and is an oft neglected maintenance item.

[Spork]

It sounds like you already know this, but I'll ask just in case:  Are you sure it's the booster itself and not a vacuum leak in the lines leading to it?