Will the Stay-IN-Play Work On a 2004 Pontiac Vibe With Brake Booster Behind Firewall

Question:

I have been studying the installation instructions and various youtube videos for installing the Demco stay and play breaking system DM86VR on my 2004 Pontiac Vibe. On your website It is confirmed to fit this car which is basically like a Toyota Matrix. My concern regards attaching the cable for the actuating cylinder cable to the firewall. The problem is that the cars brake vacuum booster is mounted to the firewall directly in front of the break pedal. Im concerned that driving a self tapping screw into the firewall in front of the brake pedal will puncture the vacuum booster. Can you provide detailed information regarding the mounting for the actuation cable to the firewall of this vehicle or a 2004 toyota Matrix? Or, and you give me a referral to someone who has installed this system on this car?

asked by: Lincoln A

Expert Reply:

The Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251 is a great option for a 2004 Pontiac Vibe. It is not something we have installed on this exact vehicle but there are many instances which I have run into personally where the brake booster is directly behind the firewall where the brake pedal is. The standard practice we use when this is an issue is to drill a small pilot hole through the firewall then run a small wire though this to see how much room is there before you make contact with the brake booster. Then we use this to find the appropriate size screw. I have used shorter screws as well as cut down the provided screws many times when installing the Stay-IN-Play. There is also some adjustability in where the anchor point is as well so it should not be an issue to make work. The booster are usually not directly flush with the rear of the firewall so there will be some room for a screw.

The other option if you don't think you can make this work would be the Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System part # BLU37TR.

expert reply by: Conner L