Hi, all. This is jubjub's brother and owner of the 85 300D with blown vacuum pump. I will order the new bushing to get timing device endplay back within spec (0.05-0.12mm), and I will buy a new or rebuilt vacuum pump. While I want to find that one last ball bearing, I'm not prepared to pull the engine and start tearing it down. I'm going to gamble on this one (famous last words, I know).

I found a company on eBay selling rebuilt vacuum pump. The one for my car is $250US with an included core charge of $40, so I am at $210 for a rebuilt pump. I emailed the seller to inquire about the bearings used. He simply said they are original type. I pressed him about the construction of the bearing (plastic or metal cage), and he responded that he did not know, and that they have never had a problem with the pumps. Has anyone dealt with bmwmercedesautoparts before? I'd like to save $90 by buying the rebuilt unit.

Regards,
Jurgen