Oldiebut goodie wrote:There shouldn't be oil in it - it looks as though it is leaking oil, maybe the vacuum pump is goosed.
Hi OG yes there is oil on it, quite a bit, it was held together with some useless braided fuel hose which was soaked in oil and the engine oil is bit low but the van had a service about 1 month ago, how can I tell if the vacuum pump is kaput, where is the vacuum pump, at the other end of that hose?
I would start by taking the pipe off and checking to see if there is oil inside - it may just be oil thrown up there by something else.
To check if the vacuum pump is working, put your foot on the brake pedal with the engine off (it should feel hard ), keep it there as you start the engine and your foot should be able to slowly depress the pedal. If it does so it's all good - I would replace the pieces of hose if they are ropy.
Oldiebut goodie wrote:I would start by taking the pipe off and checking to see if there is oil inside - it may just be oil thrown up there by something else.
To check if the vacuum pump is working, put your foot on the brake pedal with the engine off (it should feel hard ), keep it there as you start the engine and your foot should be able to slowly depress the pedal. If it does so it's all good - I would replace the pieces of hose if they are ropy.
Hi OG
Pipe looks good, I did what you suggested and the brake pedal does go down, but quite slowly (dont know if this is normal), Will see how it is when I fit the non return valve and replace the hose, many thanks
irishkeet
Be VERY careful removing the pipe from the top of the vacuum pump, they are very easy to snap the plastic hose tail. It is better to cut the rubber with over braid rather than attempt to pull it off. Trying to find a good second hand pump is just about impossible. BW do them for around £160 from memory.