Vacuum Pump / Brake Booster Pump O-ring replacement

[Bulk]

Ghost I had the same symptoms, turned out the be the oil pressure sender which sits right underneath. Check that first. Pull the elec harness off and see if there is oil inside it, if so it's a $10 part and about a 5 minute job

[rebouch1]

Originally Posted by _XS3C_

Bulk, thanks for the replay
turning L/R with the belt ON - ok
I have seen that TIS link, they don't list any sizes or Torque values there ...

If I can find what is the torque values on that torx bolts [ M6X25 ] and if anyone can confirm they will take 7mm socket [just to loose to my feel ] that will be Great . thx

I used a torx socket...I think number 8...see pictures. I don't think that I found the torque setting in my Bentley manual, but I'll have to check when I get home from work.

[rebouch1]

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

So how does one know if the pump needs replacing or a simple O ring will do the job? The symptoms I have is a slow leak evident by some oil residue beneath the pump. Your insights would be appreciated.

I agree with Bulk...make sure you know that it is coming from the pump. In my case I cleaned the engine really well in that area and then kept an eye on it over the next couple of days with an inspection mirror. I saw a drip coming right off the vacuum pump. As far as changing the O-ring or the pump...the O-ring will run you about $8 and the pump will run about $375. I had 2 X5s at the time...a 4.8is and 4.4i and I had to change the pump on the 4.8is and only had to change the O-ring on the 4.4i.

On the 4.8is what it ended up being was that the pump was worn and was leaking oil into the "dry" side and the leak was coming from the dryside. You will see that when you take the pump out, you can take it apart with 4 torx screws...the only seal between the dry and the wet side is the mechanical clearance, which I don't think you can do anything about. You can see where the casing comes apart in one of the pictures that I posted...right below my thumb. I ended up getting a new pump. What I would recommend is trying to replace the gasket since that is the cheapest thing to do. I would clean it up really well so that you can see where the oil is coming from if it starts up again. I had to use an inspection mirror to figure out that the oil was not coming from the 0-ring between the engine and the pump. There is another 0-ring that you might be able to replace when you take apart the pump...but it appears to be a special shaped o-ring.

[_XS3C_]

rebouch1, great info/pictures- Thank you

I'm glad you did replay on time with that detailed pix of the torx sockets - otherwise I was going to use 1/4 regular socket - [not perfect fit or the 7 mm that was way to lose ....... ], well It looks like I will need to add more tools to my tool collection ....

btw the torque values are NOT listed in the Bentley books at all - have 2 books for the E46 & E53 - [ if I have the choice to buy this books all over again - 100% will NOT ] .
Btw if no where to find what the torque value is I will mark the bolts before removing .....

[_XS3C_]

I did inspection with mirror and had wiped oil from under it many times, so far it is leaking from the bottom on the vacuum pump lid itself and not from the O ring from behind ..... [wonder if 100k miles is "the normal" time for vacuum pump to start leaking ] .........

BAVAUTO have PIERBURG/ ixetic vacuum pump for $280 - [ or for $350 with the BMW PN# 11667545384 on the box] .......
Btw the EXACT and very same PIERBURG/ ixetic vacuum pumps at the BMW dealerships parts dep. sells from $440 to $509 bucks at 4 different in the Bay Area SF/CA bmw dealerships .... -----

some people did rebuilding the vacuum pumps with O ring from oil filter kit - check the link bellow
2002 E46 318i - N42 Vacuum Pump Repair

[X5Ghost]

Originally Posted by _XS3C_

I did inspection with mirror and had wiped oil from under it many times, so far it is leaking from the bottom on the vacuum pump lid itself and not from the O ring from behind ..... [wonder if 100k miles is "the normal" time for vacuum pump to start leaking ] .........

BAVAUTO have PIERBURG/ ixetic vacuum pump for $280 - [ or for $350 with the BMW PN# 11667545384 on the box] .......
Btw the EXACT and very same PIERBURG/ ixetic vacuum pumps at the BMW dealerships parts dep. sells from $440 to $509 bucks at 4 different in the Bay Area SF/CA bmw dealerships .... -----

some people did rebuilding the vacuum pumps with O ring from oil filter kit - check the link bellow
2002 E46 318i - N42 Vacuum Pump Repair

$240 bucks here: Your Parts Search Returned 1 Part(s),

I'll do what is recommended above this weekend and post back. Thx guys!

[_XS3C_]

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

$240 bucks here: Your Parts Search Returned 1 Part(s), I'll do what is recommended above this weekend and post back. Thx guys!

Hi X5Ghost,
the above link/$ is for " Stability Control Steering Angle Sensor" not the vacuum pump !
Here is link with the Autohausaz $340 vacuum pump
Your Parts Search Returned 1 Part(s)


=================

one link from the bimmerfest forum with vacuum pump tips/instal...
DIY - Vacuum Pump Seal Kit & Oil Pressure Switch - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

[X5Ghost]

Originally Posted by _XS3C_

Hi X5Ghost,
the above link/$ is for " Stability Control Steering Angle Sensor" not the vacuum pump !
Here is link with the Autohausaz $340 vacuum pump
Your Parts Search Returned 1 Part(s)


=================

one link from the bimmerfest forum with vacuum pump tips/instal...
DIY - Vacuum Pump Seal Kit & Oil Pressure Switch - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

You are right, got my wires crossed as I'm also needing to replace the steering angle sensor and been searching for a good price on one.

The link you sent is for a brake booster pump, is that the correct vacuum pump?
I tell you, the search engine on that site is not friendly at all.

[X5Ghost]

Originally Posted by Bulk

Ghost I had the same symptoms, turned out the be the oil pressure sender which sits right underneath. Check that first. Pull the elec harness off and see if there is oil inside it, if so it's a $10 part and about a 5 minute job

Bulk,
You are absolutely spot on and you just saved me $981
The Stealer wanted to charge me that to replace the vacuum pump which is working just fine! The oil leak appears to be coming from the sending unit which I will replace ASAP! I can't believe the dealer wanted to rip me off! I feel like stopping in and talking to the GM especially after spending $7k to replace the tranny 5 mo ago ......

BTW, how the heck you got that sending unit out? Is it with a deep socket or?? Any idea on the size?

[Bulk]

Originally Posted by X5Ghost

Bulk,
You are absolutely spot on and you just saved me $981
The Stealer wanted to charge me that to replace the vacuum pump which is working just fine! The oil leak appears to be coming from the sending unit which I will replace ASAP! I can't believe the dealer wanted to rip me off! I feel like stopping in and talking to the GM especially after spending $7k to replace the tranny 5 mo ago ......

BTW, how the heck you got that sending unit out? Is it with a deep socket or?? Any idea on the size?

Glad to hear it . I waited until the part arrived then tried on deep sockets for size. There's no issues with it, no special tools or yoga positions required to get it out.