Smart ForTwo Coupe (453.353) Vacuum Pump, Brakes Costs
The average cost for a Smart ForTwo Coupe (453.353) Vacuum Pump, Brakes Replacement is between $67 - $125. Get an instant quote with our AI repair estimator.
What is a vacuum pump in vehicle brakes?
A vacuum pump is a crucial component in a vehicle's braking system, particularly in diesel engines or gasoline engines with turbochargers. It is responsible for generating the vacuum required to boost the braking force in vehicles with vacuum-assisted brake systems. This vacuum power is essential for the brake booster, which multiplies the force applied to the pedal, ensuring effective brake application with minimal effort from the driver. Without the vacuum pump, it would be significantly harder to stop a vehicle because the brake booster would lack the necessary vacuum to assist in braking.
Symptoms of a faulty brake vacuum pump
When a brake vacuum pump begins to malfunction, it can compromise the effective power braking mechanism of a vehicle. Here are common symptoms of a faulty brake vacuum pump:
- Hard Brake Pedal: One of the most noticeable symptoms is a hard brake pedal, which occurs if the vacuum pump fails and doesn't supply the necessary assistance to the brake booster.
- Increased Stopping Distances: If there's insufficient vacuum to assist the brakes, stopping distances can increase significantly, posing a risk during quick stops or in emergencies.
- Brake Warning Lights: Some vehicles might have sensors that illuminate a warning light if there's an issue with the brake system, including the vacuum pump.
- Unusual Noises: A failing vacuum pump might make hissing or other unusual noises due to internal leakage or mechanical wear.
- Engine Performance Issues: In some systems, the vacuum pump is also used for other vehicle functions, so a leak or failure can affect overall engine performance.
How urgent is vacuum pump repair?
Repairing a faulty vacuum pump is quite urgent given its role in ensuring safe braking operations. A failure in this component directly affects the brake booster efficacy, leading to a much firmer brake pedal and potentially longer stopping distances which can compromise safety. Driving with a non-functional brake vacuum pump raises the risk of accidents, especially in situations requiring sudden braking. Therefore, it is vital to address vacuum pump issues promptly to maintain vehicle safety and efficiency.
How much does vacuum pump replacement cost?
The cost of replacing a vacuum pump varies based on the vehicle make and model as well as labor rates. Typically, you can expect to pay between $300 and $700 for parts and labor. Luxury vehicles or those with complex systems might incur higher costs. It's advisable to get quotes from multiple repair shops and ensure they source quality replacement parts, as the vacuum pump is critical to the brake system's functionality and overall vehicle safety.
5 FAQs about brake vacuum pumps
- What happens if my brake vacuum pump fails? If the vacuum pump fails, the brake booster will not receive the necessary vacuum assistance, leading to a hard brake pedal, increased stopping distances, and potential brake failure, especially in emergency situations.
- Can I drive with a faulty vacuum pump? It is not recommended. A faulty vacuum pump compromises your vehicle's braking efficiency, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly if you need to stop suddenly. Immediate repairs are advised.
- How can I tell if my vacuum pump is failing? Look for symptoms like a hard brake pedal, brake warning lights, unusual noises, and degraded engine performance. If these occur, have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic.
- Is vacuum pump replacement covered under warranty? This depends largely on your vehicle's warranty plan and its terms regarding wear and tear items. Typically, if the vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty and the failure was not due to negligence, it might be covered.
- How often should a vacuum pump be replaced? Vacuum pumps don't have a set replacement interval and can last for many years. However, it's wise to have them inspected regularly, especially after reaching higher mileage, to ensure they function adequately and to catch potential issues before they affect the braking system.
Dev Output
2017 Smart ForTwo Coupe (453.353) L3-0.9L Turbo (281.910) - Vacuum Pump, Brakes Costs
Parts: $57.00Labor: $20.00{ "partPrice": 57, "laborPrice": 20, "alldata_id": 56479, "alldata_vehicle_id": 56479, "title": "Vacuum Pump, Brakes", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Hydraulic System", "part": [ { "name": "Vacuum Pump", "price": "2699.70", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "4534300232" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Hydraulic System", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Vacuum Pump, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.2", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2017, "make": "Smart", "model": "ForTwo Coupe (453.353)", "engine": "L3-0.9L Turbo (281.910)" }2016 Smart ForTwo Coupe (453.353) L3-0.9L Turbo (281.910) - Vacuum Pump, Brakes Costs
Parts: $67.00Labor: $45.00{ "partPrice": 67, "laborPrice": 45, "alldata_id": 56045, "alldata_vehicle_id": 56045, "title": "Vacuum Pump, Brakes", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Hydraulic System", "part": [ { "name": "Vacuum Pump", "price": "2699.70", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "4534300232" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Remove & Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Hydraulic System", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Vacuum Pump, R&R", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.2", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 2016, "make": "Smart", "model": "ForTwo Coupe (453.353)", "engine": "L3-0.9L Turbo (281.910)" }