Help! - Quick question about vacuum pump seals

[ovilla]

Tonight I changed my coolant flange, cam lobe, HPFP O-ring, cam adjuster o-rings, timing chain cover gasket, and the vacuum pump seal. The last one is where I think I’m now leaking oil from. My car has 150K and seems to have everything original.

Anyway when removing the vacuum pump I noticed that there was only a flat PLASTIC (about 1/8 wide) seal in place. There was no additional rubber seal - just the hard plastic one. I removed it and only replaced it with a new vacuum pump RUBBER o-ring that I got from ECS Tunning. Was I suppose to put on the flat plastic washer and then the new round rubber vacuum pump o-ring on top of that OR only utilize the hard plastic washer? I did notice that my pump didn’t have a groove for a rubber o-ring but I thought that maybe it just got flat once I installed it.

Here’s a pic of the hard plastic o-ring. Also, stupid question. I noticed that there’s only TWO bolts that actually bolt the vacuum pump on to the back of the timing chain cover. There’s one bolt almost right next to the vacuum pump line (drivers side) but it doesn’t look like it goes to anything. Am I missing a bracket or something? Note that the only two bolts that hold the vacuum pump on are the one on top and the one slightly below and towards the passenger side (it’s the one that also has the ground wire attached to a piece of metal, which the bolt goes through).

Anyway your help is greatly appreciated as I can’t seem to find any exploded diagram right now which shows me which seals are needed for the vacuum pump.

Thanks

[ovilla]

Also, I noticed that where my vacuum hose connects to the vacuum pump itself, the plastic connector on the vacuum pump is loose and can be pulled out/in and 1/4”. Can I pop out the plastic hose connector piece and replace an o-ring behind it? Or, do I just need to buy a new vacuum pump? Note that the car runs great and I’ve had zero issue with the pump itself.

[lumberwood]

The vacuum pump was updated at some point, at which time the main sealing o-ring was moved to a new position. Purpose was to improve durability and performance of that o-ring. The old design had the o-ring go just inside the cam chain housing opening when installed whereas the new one has the o-ring tucked up into the pump base so that it presses on the outer face of that insertion hole instead. Both are compatible with our engines but their o-rings are specific. And each design has a home for the o-ring so if yours is just hanging out wherever, makes sense it's leaking now...

Do you have any pics of the pump off the car? The pump part #? Which o-ring did you order?

The o-ring should be soft and pliable. That hard ass one is probably so stiff and plastic-like because of its age.

[ovilla]

The vacuum pump was updated at some point, at which time the main sealing o-ring was moved to a new position. Purpose was to improve durability and performance of that o-ring. The old design had the o-ring go just inside the cam chain housing opening when installed whereas the new one has the o-ring tucked up into the pump base so that it presses on the outer face of that insertion hole instead. Both are compatible with our engines but their o-rings are specific. And each design has a home for the o-ring so if yours is just hanging out wherever, makes sense it's leaking now...

Do you have any pics of the pump off the car? The pump part #? Which o-ring did you order?

The o-ring should be soft and pliable. That hard ass one is probably so stiff and plastic-like because of its age.

Thank you for the heads up on checking the vacuum pump part number. I’m going to take it off again to check it. Here’s what I ordered.

[ovilla]

Can anyone comment on the fact that I only utilize two bolts to hold the vacuum pump in place? What’s the one bolt, the only one on the drivers side (at about 3 o’clock when viewed while standing in front of the engine and looking back towards the firewall), what’s that suppose to go through to help secure the vacuum pump? Like I said, mine simply goes into the timing chain cover and doesn’t assist in the installation/removal of the vacuum pump. I’m wondering if I’m missing some type of Z bracket that could assist in securing the vacuum pump.

[lumberwood]

Thank you for the heads up on checking the vacuum pump part number. I’m going to take it off again to check it. Here’s what I ordered.

Ok, so this is important info (pulled from that item page on ECS) regarding that specific o-ring:
"For use with vacuum pump part number 06D 145 100E only"

Let's get that vacuum pump part #...
None of the pumps available on the site are E-rev (the newest appear to be H) pumps so I'm guessing (unfortunately) your pump might be the revised unit and you got the wrong o-ring. We'll see though when the pump is off again.

[lumberwood]

Can anyone comment on the fact that I only utilize two bolts to hold the vacuum pump in place? What’s the one bolt, the only one on the drivers side (at about 3 o’clock when viewed while standing in front of the engine and looking back towards the firewall), what’s that suppose to go through to help secure the vacuum pump? Like I said, mine simply goes into the timing chain cover and doesn’t assist in the installation/removal of the vacuum pump. I’m wondering if I’m missing some type of Z bracket that could assist in securing the vacuum pump.

I'll check mine when I get home, to see where the 3rd bolt goes.

[Miro1118]

When you say Cam Lobe do you mean cam follower? I thought the lobe was integrated to the cam.

[ovilla]

The vacuum pump was updated at some point, at which time the main sealing o-ring was moved to a new position. Purpose was to improve durability and performance of that o-ring. The old design had the o-ring go just inside the cam chain housing opening when installed whereas the new one has the o-ring tucked up into the pump base so that it presses on the outer face of that insertion hole instead. Both are compatible with our engines but their o-rings are specific. And each design has a home for the o-ring so if yours is just hanging out wherever, makes sense it's leaking now...

Do you have any pics of the pump off the car? The pump part #? Which o-ring did you order?

The o-ring should be soft and pliable. That hard ass one is probably so stiff and plastic-like because of its age.

This is my vacuum pump. Note the new green o-ring installed at the base of the pump (on top of some oil). It definitely looks like I ordered the wrong o-ring for my pump.

[ovilla]

When you say Cam Lobe do you mean cam follower? I thought the lobe was integrated to the cam.

When I say cam lobe I’m referring to the lobe on the actual camshaft - the one that is integrated on the cam.

[ovilla]

I'll check mine when I get home, to see where the 3rd bolt goes.

I’d really appreciate it as I’m sure it’s most likely what attributed to my coolant flange damage (as the oil most likely caused swelling of the o-ring) and I know it’s going to keep on leaking if there’s only two bolts holding it in place.

[ovilla]

Hmmm... Which seal would you order for this vacuum pump??? These were the only numbers I could find on it.

[ovilla]

Ok, so this is important info (pulled from that item page on ECS) regarding that specific o-ring:
"For use with vacuum pump part number 06D 145 100E only"

Let's get that vacuum pump part #...
None of the pumps available on the site are E-rev (the newest appear to be H) pumps so I'm guessing (unfortunately) your pump might be the revised unit and you got the wrong o-ring. We'll see though when the pump is off again.

Are you saying that I have an old/orig vacuum pump and may just need to order a new o-ring from an Audi dealer?

[ovilla]

Mystery solved with regards to the placement/use of the 3rd bolt on my vacuum pump!!!

You can’t see it very well in my pic but my vacuum pump is missing the metal piece of the pump where a bolt would be used (located about an inch from where the hose is connected). I bet someone must have removed it for maintenance, maybe dropped it (and broke the ear off) and then just bolted it back on.

Looks like I just need to buy a new pump. Anybody know a good alternative to the $300+ OEM one? I like using OEM Audi parts on this car but am wondering if any of you had good luck going aftermarket here. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks

[lumberwood]

Mystery solved with regards to the placement/use of the 3rd bolt on my vacuum pump!!!

You can’t see it very well in my pic but my vacuum pump is missing the metal piece of the pump where a bolt would be used (located about an inch from where the hose is connected). I bet someone must have removed it for maintenance, maybe dropped it (and broke the ear off) and then just bolted it back on.

Looks like I just need to buy a new pump. Anybody know a good alternative to the $300+ OEM one? I like using OEM Audi parts on this car but am wondering if any of you had good luck going aftermarket here. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks

Darn, time for a new pump indeed.

I've had good success with the Pierburg made one. They're an OEM supplier so it's essentially an original unit without the Audi rings on it. Other brands I can't attest to from my own experience but Vaico is sometimes good and Uro is often not.

Good job finding the problem in the end!

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

If your pump is leaking replace the pump, swapping gaskets is a temporary fix at best.

[lumberwood]

If your pump is leaking replace the pump, swapping gaskets is a temporary fix at best.

Which manufacturer is this one, Hugh?

[ovilla]

Which manufacturer is this one, Hugh?

That was just a pic off of eBay. I went ahead and ordered a new genuine Audi vacuum pump from ECS. In case anybody is interested to know, “H” is now the very latest version of the pump. Anyway, I hope to get it by this weekend.

[Theiceman]

With a set of orings my pump has been dry for over a year with no issues..

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[Jeevan]

With a set of orings my pump has been dry for over a year with no issues..

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yep, I can attest to this as my car is running without oil leaks for more than 6 months now after swapping orings. Better pay 7 dollars on ebay than a brandnew pump at 250$ if their is nothing much wrong with it other thank leaking orings.

[ovilla]

yep, I can attest to this as my car is running without oil leaks for more than 6 months now after swapping orings. Better pay 7 dollars on ebay than a brandnew pump at 250$ if their is nothing much wrong with it other thank leaking orings.

My pump is missing one of the ears that allows a bolt to go through it, to help attach the pump to the back of the timing chain cover. Hence it’s leaking because I can only attach it with two bolts and not 3. That’s why I just ordered a new pump.

[lumberwood]

My pump is missing one of the ears that allows a bolt to go through it, to help attach the pump to the back of the timing chain cover. Hence it’s leaking because I can only attach it with two bolts and not 3. That’s why I just order med a new pump.

You're good. Those guys are just talking replying to the post by Hugh from Europa.

[wding2000]

You're good. Those guys are just talking replying to the post by Hugh from Europa.

Yeah. OP should replace with new pump, and everyone else can just replace with o-ring kit (three o-rings total). It has been 1.5 years and 12K miles for me - all good.

[ovilla]

Yeah. OP should replace with new pump, and everyone else can just replace with o-ring kit (three o-rings total). It has been 1.5 years and 12K miles for me - all good.

Did you replace anything else why you were swapping out the o-rings? Just curious as to what the internals looked like and what might wear out.


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[wding2000]

Did you replace anything else why you were swapping out the o-rings? Just curious as to what the internals looked like and what might wear out.

Aside from the o-ring in your pic, also o-ing under back plate (several T30 screws), and a small o-ring at nozzle (to vacuum hose). Oil leak at both places as well. Since you get a new pump, you are all good.

[ovilla]

Just installed the new pump today. Anyway, this is what was causing all the confusion about needing either two bolts or three to secure the vacuum pump.

[lumberwood]

Just installed the new pump today. Anyway, this is what was causing all the confusion about needing either two bolts or three to secure the vacuum pump.

Nice!

[Jayz691]

Thats just not true. If the seal is leaking, ya only need to replace the seal. Sorry, but only a parts company would say that. Did mine over a year ago, still great.

If your pump is leaking replace the pump, swapping gaskets is a temporary fix at best.

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