My brake pedal has gone hard as if the engine is not running. I have replaced the pads but still the same. Servo still connected. I know that there is a little round thing connected to the back of the alternater that connects to the servo but dont know what it is called or what it does. Any ideas ?

Jarrod, October 2007

No, that's why I said replace it!

MrMPuk, October 2007

Is it possible for me to repair the vacuum pump ? I am quite technical minded. Is there a repair kit ?

Jarrod, October 2007

I never said check for blocks in the vacuum, I said check for blocks in the supply and return oil feed to the vacuum pump.

These vacuum pumps generally fail due to poor servicing and the whirring you heard was the pump burning out due to no or poor oil.

MrMPuk, October 2007

If I need to check for blocks from vaccum pump, could that be the problem on its own ?

I also forgot to mention that aboe this happened thereut 5-10 minute before this happened there was a quiet whirring noise. Does this sound familiar ?

Jarrod, October 2007

The thing on the back of your alternator is the vacuum pump and it is defective. While installing the new one you will need to make sure the supply and return oil feeds to it are clear and if the engine hasn't had an oil change for a while do it because this is generally the cause of the failure. Make sure you use good quality oil, either 10w/40 diesel oil or 5w/30 semi-synthetic.

MrMPuk, October 2007