Brake Booster Rod Detached?

[CharlieB]

Hi all,
In an attempt to diagnose a brake issue, I disconnected my master cylinder from the brake booster. I was hoping I could adjust the push rod length. However, it appears that the rod is not attached to anything. When I removed the master cylinder, the rod was left dangling about 2 inches outside of the booster. I can't remove the rod completely so something is holding it very loosely inside the booster. I have never dealt with the booster before so I'm not exactly sure how the system goes together. I'm assuming the rod screws into something within the booster itself...correct?
If so, any tricks to reattaching it?
Thanks
Here's a photo

[joelittel]

My rod doesn’t seem to be attached to anything. I can spin it freely with minimal effort.

[CharlieB]

Thanks Joe.
Is that normal? If so, how do you make an adjustment to the rod length?

[joelittel]

I really don’t know if this is normal or not.

But... to adjust the rod length I believe you actually adjust the acorn nut on the end of the rod. Probably something like right turns shorten it and left turns elongate the overall length of the rod.

However, how you go about holding the rod while you twist the acorn nut is up for debate. I’m guessing scratches will compromise any seal required (if any).

Just wondering as I type, if the rod isn’t attached to anything can it be pulled out, acorn nut adjusted, and then slipped back into place?

[joelittel]

I just re-read your post, and you said that the rod is connected to something but able to hang out a bit....

Didn’t international-auto have a write up on this procedure in their docs/videos section?

I wonder if we could find that online somewhere.

[joelittel]

This isn’t super detailed but it might help

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic.php?t=30913

[Odoyle]

Put the plastic cup back into the booster, its function is to keep the rod centered and aligned with everything. With the cup in place, rod will slide back into place.

[CharlieB]

Thanks for the input guys. Yeah I was wondering about damaging the rod too.
I'll take a look at mine tonight and try to adjust it.
Thanks again

[CharlieB]

Just a quick follow-up. Everything went back together fairly easily. I managed to adjust the pushrod with no damage to the rod. I'm bleeding the brakes tonight and we will see if there is any improvement.
Thanks again for the tips

[joelittel]

How did you hold the rod while adjusting the nut?

[CharlieB]

Joe I ended up using a pair of vise-grips on the rod. Not the ideal method I know, but it did the trick. Then an adjustable wrench on the acorn nut.