Thread: Defender 300 tdi vacuum pump

Or should I get another better quality relay?

Why don't you just bebuild the original pump? It's just a matter of drilling out the rivets, pulling it apart in two pieces. Apply new sealant, then replace the rivets with small bolts with nylocks. The pressure strains the rivets and causes an eventual leak, otherwise there is nothing else that usually goes wrong with the pump.

The electrical option seems too unreliable from your experience, and since it's there to control the brakes, why not return to the more reliable mechanical option. The fix should be under $10.

Originally Posted by Michael2

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The pressure strains the rivets and causes an eventual leak, otherwise there is nothing else that usually goes wrong with the pump.
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Mine didn't leak. Some small plastic bits inside broke.

Pulled mine down, was leaking oil bad and the piston is fairly worn on one side, I'm happy enough too go back mechanical, but just thought this would have been better if it worked.

Originally Posted by shack

Or should I get another better quality relay?

Condenser across the vac switch, cos that's where the arcing would be taking place, or look at your relay and get a major brand name one with a suppressor fitted. I used to only use Bosch or Hella relays by choice, no idea how good they are now.