Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) loss of vaccum for brakes, AC selecter, any ideas?

[aallison]

I have a 96. the other day, the brake got very hard to push. Brakes still worked, just took major push to move the pedel. At the same time, the AC unit stoped going from defrost to vent to floor etc. It happened to be the defrost location where the AC came out. I don't know if this is a reture if vaccum is lost, or just where it was when I lost vaccum.



Since then, I've found the vaccum pump in front of the power stearing pump. I've traced the lines and found no place where it looks like the hoses are abraded. But some of the lines are under the firewall and dash. I assume there is a check valve after the brake booster so if I loose vaccum in the dash, the booster still works.



I don't want to pull out that pump if I dont' have to. Can anyone offer a suggestion where to look for a vaccum leak?



Since that day, it works fine. I assume as I as pushed and wiggled hoses, the leak sealed. However I know it's only a matter of time unitl it comes back.



Thanks for the help... ... ... ... ... ...

 

[SEmerson]

I would start by pulling the line off the vacum pump. Then start the enine and see if you have vacum there. If not replace the pump. If you do then trace all the lines and disconct one system at a time and check for a leak with a hand help vacum pump.

 

[PullinRam]

The exact thing happened to my sisters 94. After tracing vac lines all over and checking every connection, my dad ended up swapping the vac pump that he had from a parts truck. Not 5 minutes after he pulled the pump he found a small crack in the main line coming from the pump, about 3" from the pump. Just make sure you check EVERYTHING before you start to pull the pump.

 

[Timinator]

I agree that you should check all the lines and connections carefully first. But don't forget that member CPFF may have a new o-ring and shaft seal for the vacuum pump. It's a LOT cheaper than a new/rebuilt pump. You'll also need a ned gasket to go between the vacuum pump and the gear housing. It's not a bad job to do.