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Originally Posted by Ara T.
...Now im getting weird brakeing...the brake pedal is a little stiffer than usual, and if I pump them 2-3 times while up to speed, on the 3rd time it seems like I lose vacuum assist. Either that or they stop working all together, Im really not sure what non-assisted brakes feel like... im not sure if its a vacuum problem or a disc problem. After I get going again braking will be adequate leading me to believe it's vacuum related. insight?
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Almost every car has a vacuum booster sized for 2-3 assisted pedal presses if the vacuum source is lost while driving. If boost is lost, braking takes considerably more effort.
You can experience this by shutting off the car, then pressing the pedal a few times. With no vacuum source, the boost will be 'used up' after a few presses, and you will feel what the unassisted pedal is like on your car. Go ahead and press hard, it won't break the car. Unassisted brakes will take more effort, but you can press hard enough to stop the car if you have to.
Gassers have an almost unlimited source of vacuum in the intake manifold, but diesels have a relatively small vacuum pump. Pushing 2-3 times on the pedal will drain the reservoir, and it will be a few seconds until the vacuum pump can draw the booster back down to the vacuum it needs for power assist.
Do check everything else, and look for other vacuum leaks.
Best Regards,
Jim