N52 vacuum pump
 

Has anybody replaced their vacuum pump? Mine is getting noisy (marble rattling sound) It doesn't look that bad from what I can see in the videos. Is the special holder to keep the sprocket from turning really needed? Looks like the chain drives the oil pump and vacuum pump so timing is not an issue? or is there a balance shaft involved? tensioner is a simple spring loaded and doesn't lock and there is actually a little holder tray to hold the vacuum pump gear while the pump is out. All sounds pretty doable even without any special tools or am I missing something?? The tool kit shown in one of the videos (N54) looks pretty good and I wouldn't mind spending $200 ish if it makes the job easier but looks like it's no longer available. Does the N52 need different tools than the N54?

OK it looks like the N52 uses a different tool kit than N53 N54 etc. I'm guessing that the inside lip for the seal probably goes completely around so "rocking" it out by pushing the side of the seal that doesn't have the lip behind it doesn't work. It looks like there is a tool available that puts screws into the seal to pull it out but the one I ordered got cancelled and the other makers/suppliers don't show the puller/installer disc in the picture of the tool so pretty weird. I think I'm just going to wing it without special tools but if anyone one has some input still much appreciated! Cheers! :)