Is there a way to rebuild the vacuum pump at home, as opposed to buying a rebuilt one? On my pump, the cover is loose, causing it to make a popping noise at idle. Lately, I have noticed the power brake booster not responding when the engine is cold. It does fine after warm-up. Tells me the vacuum pump Is on the way out. If I can tighten that front cover somehow I can probably correct the problem, but I don't see any way to do that.

 

Thanks I'll do that. Is that why the cover bounces as well?

 

If my pump had those bolts that are on the front cover I would have already tightened them. It appears to be simply crimped and the crimps are loosening up. Looks like it's time to get a pump, or maybe drill and tap some holes. I really hate to throw away a good pump because of a loose cover. At least it looked good a couple of months ago when I replaced the gasket, and repaired the mounting bolt holes.

 

What size are those bolts on the cover, so I can drill and tap some in mine? It doesn't look like there is much of a shoulder to drill on, and I DON'T want to get them too big and ruin an otherwise good pump.

 

That was my concern as well, and drilling blind is a good way to ruin a usable core if nothing else. I guess I'll find a junk yard somewhere in my area and see if I can find one before I do any experimenting. Anybody know of any somewhere between Kansas City, and Omaha? I'm a little closer to KC. than Omaha, but either one would work.