[d1rr0n]

So I have a cracked vacuum pipe. The one that goes along the passenger side of the engine and somehow ends up going through the fire wall. VW quoted me something like $400 with labor and the pipe to repair it. Can I do this myself? Are there any guides (Yes I did a search, but maybe I missed something). If you're not sure what I'm talking about (and I may be calling it the wrong thing) I'll get a picture tomorrow on my lunch brake or after work. I wrapped gorilla tape around it as best I could. It reduced the sound of vacuum leak, but it's still there -- quite audible. I found out about this because it threw a code, and luckily my local dealership had just emailed me a coupon for a free CEL diagnosis.

Anyway, I'd really prefer not to pay $400 to replace it. Any suggestions? Is it really worth 2 hours of labor?

 

[noobytoogy]

A good mechanic should be able to put in a new section of pipe with a couple of connectors.

 

[d1rr0n]

The pipe I'm referring to is preformed platic and has fittings to other parts, the cracking is happening at the part that comes out of the firewall though. If it was just the pipe that plugs into the part that comes from the firewall that'd be too easy. I'm trying to figure out if I can replace the seciont that goes into the firewall without hating my life for a weekend.

 

[cruzponce6]

Yes do it yourself its easy hard part is separating it from other sections, expensive cost like $85.00 original (for a formed pipe) look into it comes in sections you might not need the complete pipe.I did it on my 06 V8 saved on labor..

 

[Spoke]

I would like to see this $400 pipe

So I have a cracked vacuum pipe. The one that goes along the passenger side of the engine and somehow ends up going through the fire wall. VW quoted me something like $400 with labor and the pipe to repair it. Can I do this myself? Are there any guides (Yes I did a search, but maybe I missed something). If you're not sure what I'm talking about (and I may be calling it the wrong thing) I'll get a picture tomorrow on my lunch brake or after work. I wrapped gorilla tape around it as best I could. It reduced the sound of vacuum leak, but it's still there -- quite audible. I found out about this because it threw a code, and luckily my local dealership had just emailed me a coupon for a free CEL diagnosis.

Anyway, I'd really prefer not to pay $400 to replace it. Any suggestions? Is it really worth 2 hours of labor?

Do you know the name of this pipe? Can you send a picture of the crack?

 

[d1rr0n]

I don't recall the name. VW said it was some kind of brake vacuum pipe. It's on the passenger side coming out of the fire wall and running along the side of engine. Its like a 1/2 inch plastic pipe if I remember right. I'll get a picture soon to post! Thanks for the replies for far!

 

[dragline1570]

I don't recall the name. VW said it was some kind of brake vacuum pipe. It's on the passenger side coming out of the fire wall and running along the side of engine. Its like a 1/2 inch plastic pipe if I remember right. I'll get a picture soon to post! Thanks for the replies for far!

I have replaced these pipes due to cracking and they are very easy to do. I have part numbers and drawings if you like.

regards
Drag

 

[Spoke]

Vacuum leaks cause lots of problems

Hello Dragline,
I have been getting check engine and ESP light both at the same time, when i take it to the dealer they just try replacing parts to see if that works. Finally they did a smoke test and I was told that there was a cracked plastic vacuum pipe beneath the manifold in the back. I am thinking I have the same problem as d1rr0n could you please send photos and part numbers?
Thanks Dragline

 

[d1rr0n]

Funny. My ESP light came on last night, too! And yea, I'd appreciate that info, Dragline!

 

[d1rr0n]

I talked to Dragline, unfortunately the information he had was for the V6 (appreciate the effort anyway though Dragline!).

So can anyone tell me how to get to the pipe behind the firewall and how far back it goes? What it connects to? I want to get this done because my fuel economy is terrible. I'm considering just paying to have it done, but I'd really rather not spend $200 in labor if I can do it myself. Thanks for any further information!

 

[cwargo]

You need to remove windshield wipers first, then you can remove the cowling below windshield. The pipe goes through firewall and over to brakebooster, usually cracks at brakebooster. I fixed mine with this rubber selfsealing tape from pepboys, worked great.

 

[d1rr0n]

Thanks, cwargo! I think I may repair it this week! I would do the self sealing tape, but mine is really far gone on the end that I can see, even if it's fine at the brake booster I think I'm just going to replace it. If it was just a crack or two I'd try that tape out for sure, but it's like disintegrating. Lol

Thanks again! That does sound really easy. I'm never disappointed when I check on this site for advice!

 

[findre]

Did the self seal tape and it lasted for a few years. Went with soft copper and fittings. Long 90s, long 45s and 45 street on 3/8 od and 1/2 od.

 

[Singh]

These crack with time. I replaced a smaller one on the vacuum pump side with a high quality silicon hose. Vw cost was $150. Best silicon hose was $15 per metre.
I cant see why all of them cant be replaced by silicon ones, unless there are some with multiple ends