I have a few questions about typical vacuum leaks in these older 80's Mercedes Diesels, more specifically, the 126.

Are the leaks mainly from the rubber fixtures and connectors or are they usually from bad vacuum hoses (the ones that run the length of the car in various colors w/ stripes) that are worn out?

What is the average cost of parts if you plan on fixing typical vacuum leaks in a car you have just purchased? Under $300? I wouldn't expect it to be excessively expensive... Does the actual vacuum pump commonly fail?

When buying a W126, are vacuum leaks to be expected? Especially leaks with the shutoff valve and door locks?

Thank You, I hope I can get a heads-up as far as this vacuum system goes...

I big cause of leaks is the rubber connectors. They get brittle and crack or just don't seal as tightly as the once did.

In my experience its more likely the vac components that fail.

Cracked and broken vac lines is somewhat common, but usually only in the door hinge areas and the like, where the vac line is moving.

The vac pump is another cause. It's pretty common to have a weak or broken vac pump.

Some of the parts a little spendy. The accuator type parts, (i.e doorlocks, trans. modulator, ACC pods) tend to be in the $40-$50 range, the 3 and 4 way connectors usually 4 or 5 bucks. Rebuild kit for the vac pump $60-$70 range. You can find good actuator parts in the junk yard. Take your mity vac along with you and test them there, and only bring home the good ones.

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