[bhansen]

My brakes are not working @ low rpm's and I want to test the vacuum pump. Just want to know how, also it might be the power booster and I would like to know how to test if there is a vacuum leak in that.

 

[STurbo90]

Hook up a vacumn gauge on the manifold on the drivers fender, should be about 20 in.

Is your "Brake" light coming on? usually happens when a pump is weak.

 

[bhansen]

Yes the light is going on, should I just replace the pump?

 

[realbadlarry]

No,do a search and do the hydroboost conversion..$264.00 from autozone for the hoses and booster. Better brakes for another $150.00

 

[95MNPSD]

How are you guys swapping pullies from the old pumps to the new ones? Are you using a pulley puller then a hydraulic press to press the pulley on the new pump?

 

[action4478]

It is easiest to get the puller set,,,maybe autozone?....

 

[weponhead]

I used 2 pry bars in the bench vise. and a deadblow mallet. tried using a puller but none were small enough to grab the hub in the center and i didnt want to bend it from grabbing the outside edge.

 

[95MNPSD]

[ QUOTE ]
It is easiest to get the puller set,,,maybe autozone?....

[/ QUOTE ]

Is this a three jaw puller set? How are you pressing the pulley onto the new pump? I don't want to ruin the pulley or my new pump. Thanks.

 

[action4478]

It's a puller made especially for the pump, It also fits water pumps on cars, power steering pumps, ect...

It comes with the nessesary tool to press it back on...

Well worth having...

 

[94strokerace]

[ QUOTE ]
How are you pressing the pulley onto the new pump?

[/ QUOTE ]

The pump's shaft is tapped, 3/8-16unc. Using washers and a 3/8 bolt, press on the pulley. When the bolt bottoms out, stack up more washers or go to a shorter bolt. Dont forget to drop in that pump mounting bolt before you press on the pulley.

 

[action4478]

I used to use a longer bolt with a nut threaded on it, tighten the nut against the washers until the pulley is seated .... works great in a pinch...

 

[robbiesdad]

I have the same problem. Replaced the pump and it helped a little, but the brakes are still not great. I am now thinking the booster is bad or maybe a vacuum leak?

 

[realbadlarry]

I got my hydroboost stuff today. I'll let you know how much better it works once I'm done.

 

[Diesel_Aggie]

I haven't gotten around to researching further but when my last vacuum pump went out there were metal shavings all around the pump and on the hose. Since replacing I have an occassional hissing on first start up that goes away after hitting the brakes. My climate control also acts up when going from vent/heat/defrost/ac etc. Both problems began immediately after the failure. I'm wondering if I got metal shavings in the vacuum hoses somehow. Just a theory and maybe a very poor one but figured I'd toss it out.

 

[Natefinn]

i got about 17 in Hg coming straight from the pump does that sound like i need a new pump?