Hello folks,

First, I just found this incredible forum last week in the frantic search for information on why my brakes just lost power assist on the way home from the airport. There is more amazing info here than I can readily digest in the time I have to replace the Vacuum Pump (VP) (by the end of this weekend) but I have determined that (as you all know) this car needs the vacuum system to perform somewhat nominally at minimum, the VP needs replacement, the car should not be driven again until I have done so (or risk havok to the timing chain) and that there are a number of pieces to the vacuum puzzle that probably need to be addressed. BTW, I removed the main vac line to the brake booster to determine the VP was deceased.

I will go home and take pictures of the existing configuration to post ASAP as I need to replace the unit this weekend.

I have the new Pierburg piston type replacement unit, 2 gaskets, and have been instructed to use aviation form A gasket by Permatex on said replacement and it was suggested that I use some type of degreaser on the affected engine area overnight.

I would like to have all the parts I need for this little 'swaray' as well as the most detailed instruction as possible. I am on the way to pick up my first mighty vac, I found the VP rebuild DIY sheet and the actual Vacuum diagram from PeterSchmid site and will use those as guides. However, this car had the heater core bypassed so it is not standard.

Are there any tips or pointers to documentation/DIY sheets on the web that would help me tackle this project successfully?

Do I need to replace these?:
Red……….1.1 mm….…….1162761029
Blue………1.0 mm…………1162761129
White……0.8 mm…………1162761229
Green……0.7 mm…………1162761329
Brown……0.9mm….……..1162761429

I would also like to bypass the vacuum asisst lock mechanisms and anything else that is a drain on the VP if it was easy.

I have some repair skill, a certain amount of common sense when I choose apply it but am not a mechanic. Help me Obie Wan, you're my....

Here are some photos of the system/engine area.

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Please let me know if there is another angle to shoot these...

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I just rebuilt the vaccum pump on my 300sd, this was a very straight forward fix. I did have some problems with mine but they went away when I used more oil on the pump cylinder walls. When you have your pump on the board wipe some clean motor oil around in the cylinder to help swell the new piston gasket. That is where I made a mistake and took it back apart to fix. Seems like it took longer to get out and off the car than to do the rebuild. Just clean everything real well as you go. Use the search function, like you found out there is a ton of good info right here. Good luck.

Oh yea the vac pump is on the front of your motor sort of under the power steering pump, you'll see. Tha black hose from the brake booster runs down to it. The pictures you have posted don't show it thats why I mention it.

__________________
If it ain't broke take it apart and find out why.

1983 300SD, 4 speed
1994 C280
1987 300TD wagon
1996 HD Road King

Ride in Peace Eric Peterson, Harley of Macon

Thanks crashone, I didn't take a picture of the VP since there is only the one hose attached but thanks for checking as you are right, I wasn't sure of where it was when this started.

I purchased a new VP rather than attempt to rebuild since I don't consider myself a mechanic.

Maybe this is dead simple but I guess I was hoping for more feedback or encouragement than one reply from 55 views. I'm in a bind for time on this and after reading so much about so many topics I'm wondering if I'm missing something.

I guess my main question at this point is:

Do I need to spray the area around the VP with some type of degreaser?

I also saw a simple vacuum gauge available from Harbor Frieght for $18 and the Mighty Vac for $35. Do I really need to spend double? I will but do i need to do so? The one for $18 is all metal and the might vac is all plastic.

Fortunately I had my roomate lend me a hand with this replacement and it was invaluable with regard to the bolt on the VP located at 6:00 O'Clock; right under to some stupid wire placement. BTW, why do german engineers require so many socket changes in the same general areas?

Now I'm off to learn the finer points of ensuring correct vacuum to the rest of the system and fixing some type of oil leak at the oil cooler attachment area. Bottom line is that I have breaks once again and the potential for fixing a number of "minor" vacuum issues due to the prior postings of previous persons.

Also, just purchased the can of Gleitpaste for the DIY switches tutorial....oh won't that be nice...windows that actually roll down. Anyone interested in a little Gleitpaste? I have a nice cashew can full....

Next stop, adding to a thread concerning my next concern, as per the FAQ...thanx Crashone, you were my only encouragement.