DIY How to replace Brake Vacuum Booster Pump and Pipe

17382 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by simonnunezp, Feb 6, 2022

Butt_Dragger0903

Discussion Starter · Nov 2, 2016

Here is a video I made for you all, since you've all helped me with issues in the past. I figured I should contribute to the community.

At minute 3:19 of the video, you'll see what exactly it sounds like when the vacuum pump and pipe is functioning properly. At minute 1:43, you see what it's like when the vacuum pump and pipe is NOT functioning properly.

You will need:
13mm socket
10mm socket
jack and stands
tire removal kit (it's easier to remove the driver front tire to access pump)
flathead screwdriver
occasional profanity to pull pipe off

Parts included:
vacuum pump $150 new (I bought used from Ebay for about $100 because I'm a recycler)
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3620508&cc=1501801&jsn=8
*vacuum pipe assembly $75 new (it includes microswitch sensor kit, comes in tamper proof packaging, cannot be returned after opening!) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PM3EN6W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
*Microswitch Sensor Kit $28 new
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVOJJH8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*denotes tentative part. If vacuum pump test passes after initial installation, you don't need any of the marked parts. If the pump fails to start after installation, you have an electrical problem, pointing toward the Microswitch Sensor (which was recalled!) If the pump runs continuously, you have a leak. Test the hose with your finger until the pump stops to check for leaks. If the pump stops after placing your finger on the end of the hose, and at the end of the pipe assembly, then the leak is inside the brake booster system, which will need to be replaced. Don't replace the hose if it could be the booster, because that's $75 you won't get back.

Here is the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_mbXX-scfM&feature=youtu.be

Enjoy!

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carbon02

· #2 · Nov 2, 2016

Great Video-

But shouldn't the pump stop when it completely pulls vacuum on the booster? Your pump seemed to run for an very long time.

I wrote this before I finished your video. You did have a leak!

Key is to watch the video all the way to the end before commenting!

Thanks for the post.

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carbon02

· #3 · Jun 15, 2017

Butt_Dragger-

A few questions for you. My car has never had the switch recall done, I've always tested the vacuum pump like what you've done in the video.

Did you ever install the switch? Do you think trying just a switch from an ebay dealer would be the first start vs. buying the entire hose? How brittle and difficult is it to carefully pull out the factory switch? I have the recall procedure.

I can't think of an easy way to determine the switch vs. the pump. I'm looking for a place I would see voltage, without going down to the pump connector.

Did you just pull the wheel? No wheel liner removal, or did you do that also? Your camera moved a round a little down there..

Thanks for the pointers..

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Butt_Dragger0903

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 21, 2017

carbon02 said:
Butt_Dragger-

A few questions for you. My car has never had the switch recall done, I've always tested the vacuum pump like what you've done in the video.

Did you ever install the switch? Do you think trying just a switch from an ebay dealer would be the first start vs. buying the entire hose? How brittle and difficult is it to carefully pull out the factory switch? I have the recall procedure.

I can't think of an easy way to determine the switch vs. the pump. I'm looking for a place I would see voltage, without going down to the pump connector.

Did you just pull the wheel? No wheel liner removal, or did you do that also? Your camera moved a round a little down there..

Thanks for the pointers..

I may have removed the wheel to make it easier, but I cannot remember. It was not necessary to remove the liner.

If your vehicle was recalled for the microswitch, then you should first look into replacing the microswitch. Chevrolet should perform the service at no charge, and they are able to tell you if the possible previous owner had the recall serviced. They keep file of this across the country.

If this does not fix your problem, then they will most likely notice that the system is still not working, and they'll probably proceed to replace the vacuum pump, and hose assembly (if necessary). Generally, if the car is recalled, and the pump is required to know if the recall has been fixed, GM will write off the service at no charge, unless they're being douchebags, but I've never heard of them being this cruel.

Either way if it's the pump, or the hose, you need to have that recalled microswitch replaced, or else it may cause the pump to go out again.

There's no point in performing the job yourself when Chevrolet will do it for free, unless you have severe trust issues. I am fortunate enough to trust my service department, and I use them as an absolut last resort, unless it's a free job like this.

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carbon02

· #5 · Jul 21, 2017

Thanks for the reply. I purchased the switch as NOS on Ebay and replaced myself.

I did find that you can test the pump by buying an ATC fuse holder at Walmart. Use this with a 5 amp fuse to jump across the terminals in the switch connector. With the key in the on position this should run the pump if the pump is good. This is how I isolated the pump from the switch.

I'm not a mechanic, and I'm not responsible if someone tries to test their electrical pump this way and burns something up.

Your video gave me a lot of info as I was strategizing this repair. Thank you for posting.

Yes I have serious lack of trust with dealers for stuff I can do myself, even if it costs me $10-$20 for parts. They simply have to work to fast and cut corners to make any decent living via the flat rate system.

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simonnunezp

· #6 · Feb 6, 2022

Hi I have the same problem, I try to see the video but i can't. Thanks for your help

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simonnunezp

· #7 · Feb 6, 2022

Butt_Dragger0903 said:
Here is a video I made for you all, since you've all helped me with issues in the past. I figured I should contribute to the community.

At minute 3:19 of the video, you'll see what exactly it sounds like when the vacuum pump and pipe is functioning properly. At minute 1:43, you see what it's like when the vacuum pump and pipe is NOT functioning properly.

You will need:
13mm socket
10mm socket
jack and stands
tire removal kit (it's easier to remove the driver front tire to access pump)
flathead screwdriver
occasional profanity to pull pipe off

Parts included:
vacuum pump $150 new (I bought used from Ebay for about $100 because I'm a recycler)
More Information for ACDELCO 13376001
*vacuum pipe assembly $75 new (it includes microswitch sensor kit, comes in tamper proof packaging, cannot be returned after opening!) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PM3EN6W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
*Microswitch Sensor Kit $28 new
Amazon.com: GM Sensor Kit - 13460776 : Automotive

*denotes tentative part. If vacuum pump test passes after initial installation, you don't need any of the marked parts. If the pump fails to start after installation, you have an electrical problem, pointing toward the Microswitch Sensor (which was recalled!) If the pump runs continuously, you have a leak. Test the hose with your finger until the pump stops to check for leaks. If the pump stops after placing your finger on the end of the hose, and at the end of the pipe assembly, then the leak is inside the brake booster system, which will need to be replaced. Don't replace the hose if it could be the booster, because that's $75 you won't get back.

Here is the video

Enjoy!

Hi I want to see the video but is private, I bought the parts. Thanks for your help

Save

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