A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Vacuum Supply Pump
Despite its diminutive size, the vacuum supply pump provides the vacuum needed by several essential car components-including the brakes and the air-conditioning system-in order to work. This is why once the vacuum supply pump in your car finally gives out, it has to be replaced immediately. Good thing is, installing a new vacuum supply pump is relatively easy; it requires only an hour or so of your time as well as some basic repair tools.
Required skill level: Novice to Intermediate
Needed tools and materials
Preparing your car
The vacuum pump is usually located deep inside the engine compartment, so removing a faulty pump and installing a new one might entail getting a few components out of the way first. The parts that have to be temporarily removed for vacuum pump replacement vary from vehicle to vehicle; in some trucks, for example, the grille and the radiator have to be removed first in order to gain access to the vacuum pump.
Locating and removing the pump
Vacuum supply pumps vary in size, although they usually have a black color and have a red or orange plug. Once you've spotted the pump, remove the plug by squeezing the tabs at the sides until they come loose. If the plug is also secured by a harness, remove that as well. Next, remove the vacuum pump nuts that hold the pump in place. Some of the nuts may prove difficult to access, so have a flexible ratchet spanner on hand to help you on those hard-to-reach nuts. Once the nuts have been removed, take out the rubber vacuum hose and the pump itself.
Installing the new pump
Clean the pump housing of any oil and dirt and bolt the new pump over the studs. Depending on the cam's position, there may be some tension on the drive rod as you tighten the nuts. In which, the nuts must be tightened gradually and carefully. Be careful not to over-tighten or you'll end up damaging the studs. You can refer to the user manual for the nuts' exact torque setting.
Putting them all back together
With the new vacuum supply pump in place, re-install the components you've removed earlier. Make sure that all of the bolts, screws, and other fasteners are secured properly.