Is the Volkswagen brake vacuum pump clip easy to remove?
2 Answers
Volkswagen brake vacuum pump clips are not easy to remove and require removal at a 4S shop. The following are specific symptoms of brake vacuum pump failure: 1. Brake feels too hard: When stepping on the brake, if the braking sensation is noticeably too hard, and each pedal stroke is very small, or even pushes the foot back, it is likely due to air leakage in the brake vacuum pump, causing the vacuum pump's assist function to fail. 2. Abnormal noise from the vacuum pump: Poor-quality vacuum pumps may produce noticeable abnormal noises, but this does not affect the car's braking performance. 3. Brake pedal does not return or returns slowly: If after stepping on the brake pedal, the pedal neither rises nor offers resistance, this is a sign of the brake not returning. It is necessary to check whether the brake vacuum pump, master cylinder, or sub-cylinder components are damaged.
As someone who spends all day tinkering in the garage, I find removing the brake vacuum pump clip on Volkswagen models quite convenient, but it depends on the vehicle model and your tools. Most VWs use standard clamp designs for these clips, which can usually be handled with pliers or a wrench of the right size; if there's enough space, it's a matter of minutes. I've done it multiple times on the Bora and Golf—the key is locating it correctly, typically near the brake booster, and avoiding hard pulls to prevent damaging plastic parts. If you're not very experienced, it might help to watch tutorial videos online first to familiarize yourself with the steps and minimize hassle. With the right tools and a model that offers decent space, it's not particularly challenging, though compact cars might require some maneuvering of hoses for better access. All in all, with the proper tools, it's not a high-difficulty task, and you'll get the hang of it after a few tries.
