Symptoms of a Faulty or Faulty Brake Booster Vacuum Pump

In diesel vehicles with a hard brake pedal and intermittent brake boosters, the brake booster vacuum pump may need to be replaced.

The brake booster vacuum pump is a component of the brake system of many modern diesel vehicles equipped with diesel engines. Due to their working nature, diesel engines create significantly less manifold vacuum than gasoline engines and, as a result, require a separate pump to create the vacuum needed to operate the booster. It is responsible for creating a vacuum for the car's brake booster so that power assisted braking works.

Since the vacuum pump allows the vehicle to power brake, it is a very important component of the vehicle's overall safety and handling characteristics. When a pump fails or starts to have problems, there are usually several symptoms that can alert the driver that a potential problem has arisen and should be fixed.

Hard brake pedal

One of the first symptoms of a potential brake booster vacuum pump problem is a hard brake pedal. The brake booster vacuum pump creates the vacuum required to operate the brake booster. If it fails or there is a problem, the car will be left without brake assist. Without a brake booster, the brake pedal will be stiff and it will take significantly more effort to stop the car.

Intermittent power brakes

Another less common symptom of a vacuum booster pump problem is power brakes that are intermittent. Since most brake booster vacuum pumps are electric, if there is a problem with the wiring or internal components, the pump may cycle on and off intermittently. Most pumps are designed to run continuously to provide a constant supply of vacuum to keep the power brakes working at all times. If you find that the brakes work a few times and others don't, the pump may not be working properly.

The brake booster vacuum pump is an important part of the power brake system, as booster brakes cannot work without the vacuum it creates. For this reason, if you suspect that your brake booster vacuum pump may be failing, have your vehicle's brake system checked by a professional, such as one of AvtoTachki. They will be able to determine if the car needs a brake booster vacuum pump replacement, or make any other repairs if needed.