Brakes failing on 1974 504D

Hello,

From what you wrote above, it may well be the vacuum pump, used to create the depression for the powerbraking (aka Mastervac). First check the belt (and I assume it's OK) and the couple of pipes. Then look for a pump.

HTH,

-- G.T

May be he needs a water pump for his car and your going to pay for it hahahaha

Hi,

Eeer, well, no, I won't pay for that :-) I guess there was a misunderstanding between "vacuum" and "water", or something. I'll add this kind of vacuum pumps (belt-driven & membrane type) was very common because the only one type fit until the beginning of the 90's, which doesn't make it easier to source in northern America - though being the same than on 505's, which was the most sold Pug in the USA*.

• and even the very first TD ever produced were reserved for export in the USA, partly because of the NYC & LA cabs market won by the 505 TD in 1979, resulting in something like 5-6k units. May well be one of, if not the cause for the EPA rules change in 1983, too.

Regards,

-- G.T

In the UK the membrane (diaphragm) was available as a spare part - not difficult to change and cheap.

Julian.

Hi,

It seems it was the case in France too, the fixing kit (membrane, bolts and some other stuff) was available at least at Pug's under P/N 4599.11 (for models until Jan 1984) or 4599.24 (beyond 01/84).

Il could well be a pain to source in the US, though.

Regards,

-- G.T

Possibly best to source it in Europe esp France/UK. Posting it to US should be cheap enough.

Bob

It seems that this was a belt-drive vacuum pump after all. I was able to convince a friend of mine to purchase this part. I left it with the mechanic this morning -- hopefully it will not cost too much to actually do the work.

Now I am left with possibly replacing the "seals" in the engine and/or oil pan, as the car is leaking about a quart of oil per week. Any suggestions?

Check the leak is not from the oil pressure switch. I have had several leak on different cars.