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Vacuum Leak & Brakes

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#22 ·
OneMnk,

If your brakes are hard it's the vacuum system. You could start by checking that big hose running from the front of the engine to the brake cylinder. Tighten it at both ends, check all vacuum lines. If that does not work, go to the front of the car. There is a big bolt vertically oriented near the cruise control device, near the area where that big hose I mentioned goes into the vacuum pump. Tighten it as well. If the problem persists you might want to have him (see below) check it more thoroughly.

Go to N. Brookhurst and make a RIGHT at Stanton. You'll see a shop called German Import & Motors. He's done my left axle, transmission cooler lines & both oil cooler lines--stuff I cannot do myself back home. When my next oil change is due I'll contact him. Tell him Patrick referred you.

Contact number is 714-6362342. Ask for Hieu Le. Let me know how it goes [;)]

EDIT: Wish I could check it myself but I'm pretty loaded for the next two weeks with school. [xx(]
 
Discussion starter · #27 ·
Has anyone replaced a vacuum pump on their own, and if so was it hard?

My mechanic is having a hard time finding a replacement pump at a reasonable cost....so far, up here in Canada he's only been able to find it at NAPA Auto Parts for a whopping $919, well that WAY too rich for my blood considering I just plopped down almost $600 for the brake repairs on Friday :)

I've been looking around, and Germanstar appears to have the cheapest pump at around $200 new. Even with the currency exchange, shipping and duty, I could save a bundle but I'm wondering how hard it is to install.

Thanks alot,
Erin
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
Is this something you have done? Is it easy enough for a DIY'er to do in the driveway?
I was looking at that re-build kit as well, my mechanic is kinda flying by the seat of his pants here, hes never worked on this before, so I might as well do it myself instead of paying him to know as much about it as me :)
 
#30 ·
I rebuilt my vacuum pump using MB factory parts. Replacing elements of pump very straightforward and simple, removing pump a CHORE - you may have to remove fan to get access to bolts holding pump to motor. Before you head down the dirty road, check the vacuum lines again. It may not be the pump but just one of the vacuum lines...
 
#31 ·
Agree with Douglas here, check the easy fix parts first before diving into the cold water.

Although I haven't done it yet I bet it is a straightforward process with the removal of other items (fan, belts, etc) as the only hindrance. But if you'll do it I suggest you also change the belts if you haven't done so, or replace the water pump. $20 I think for the water pump. I will replace the fan clutch and water pump when I have the belts changed, because when I got into an accident the radiator pushed back onto the fan and it does not spin smoothly (I can see overlapping blades when I look down at the spinning fan).

Also, I remember you mention your area is full of snow. If that's the case you'll be out there for a while taking the parts out, then installing rebuilding the vacuum pump, and reinstalling everything. I think if you go to www.mercedessource.com their vacuum pump kits come with instructions at the cost of slightly higher pricing than others. Not sure if they will ship to Canada though, but you could check out their website to see.
 
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MBeige
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