[tdiconvert]

After reading the recent post about cleaning a MAF with isopropyl alcohol, I decided this evening to dig out my old MAF (replaced last July) and attempt cleaning it.

Took it apart, gave it a clean, put it on the car and went out for a drive. Although better than it was originally, it wasn't as good as with the replacement one. Realising this I stopped in a layby, dug out the torch and swapped the MAFs back. Got in the car, fired it up and started to drive away.

To my horror, when pressing the brake the pedal was rock hard, servo assistance had gone and the pedal needed some welly to stop the car. [:O] I immediately stopped, grabbed the torch and lifted the bonnet thinking that I must have disturbed something.

I quickly discovered that the hard plastic hose which attaches to the vacuum pump on the end of the head had a great big split in it and had become detached. Not a result of my MAF swap, but discovered because of this.

I drove home (about 2 miles) carefully. Over about 25mph servo assistance comes back, I guess because the increased engine revs are sucking the pipe back on. Below this the brakes are scary! Just shows what a difference the servo makes.

Looks like a leisurely drive to work in my old Morris Minor tomorrow! Don't suppose anyone knows the part number of this bit of pipe...?

 

[stokeballoon]

I am sure this was the subject of a recall a while back. about 12-18 months ago. Perhaps someone can confirm this?

 

[Paul C]

Yup - it was a recall.

 

[PaulGT]

that must of been pretty scarey! remember my old car cutting out on a slip road once! [:O]

What models did this recall effct then?

 

[fatbob]

Whoa mate! Glad your OK!

Scary!!

 

[craigGSI]

mine was in two weeks ago for this re-call

 

[tdiconvert]

That's interesting... Didn't know about the recall. Is there any time limit on this, or age limit on the car? Would mine be elligable? Better give my local stealer a ring tomorrow.

 

[Redbeard7]

If your car has been into a stealer anytime over the last 15/18 months and its numbers read it should have been flaged for the recall. It's a job they like cos VW pay, it was the first thing the service guy said to me when they checked out my wifes GT TDI 110 in september 03.

If you need the part info I've still got the VW invoice.

 

[tdiconvert]

Would the fact that my car is a parallel import affect this? The original owner (that I bought it from) brought it over himself from Belgium. It's a full UK spec model.

 

[Redbeard7]

As far as I can remember it was a safety recall covering certain models and build dates and all the stealer has to do is check your VIN on it's database.

The actual invoice came to ?7.17 for the parts + labour + vat = ?46

 

[tdiconvert]

Thanks for your help Redbeard, much appreciated. Will give them a ring and quote my vin number. Hopefully it's covered. At least if I have to buy the pipe it looks like it won't break the bank anyway!

 

[camper]

Hi T.D.I. Convert, I bet that was scary,just as a matter of interest,

if you had maf changed at dealers and servo assistance had been lost

immediately afterwards,would you have said it must be dealers fault as I know it was o.k.before they worked on it, OR, would you have said it's just coincidence?

Cheers,Camper

 

[ollie]

my mate had a similar problem on his a4 estate but he totally lost breaking for a moment or two. took it into audi and they said it was a seal that popped out then back in!! (WTF??)

 

[tdiconvert]

Hi Camper, your question about whether it would be the dealer's fault is a tricky one. It doesn't apply to me because I do all the work myself. I guess you would have to try your luck with blaming the dealers, if the problem occurred straight after they had it you must have some comeback.

I remember when I worked in the garage trade some customers would blame a recent service for major problems afterwards, such as a clutch going! []

 

[tdiconvert]

Phoned the stealers, apparently my car is affected be the recall. They won't commit to doing the job until they have inspected it to check it's that particular pipe (fair enough). They want the car for a few hours to diagnose... What the...?

Now I remember why I never use them! They'd better not try and charge me for the repair.

 

[PaulGT]

where about is the brake servo in the engine bay? gonna have a closer look at mine 2moro! Would phone the dealers, but my vin is at home (with the car)!

 

[tkpeters]

Recalls @ VOSA:

http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/default.asp

Vehicle Recall Details

Reference : R/2003/014

Manufacturer Ref : 47H8

Make: VW

Model : GOLF and BORA

Launch Date : 26/03/2003

Numbers Involved : 70256

Build Start Date : 01/02/1998

Build End Date : 31/12/1999

Details

Concern : BRAKE SERVO VACUUM PIPE MAY CRACK AND LEAK.

Description : The brake servo vacuum supply pipe may crack and leak. This could result in a loss of power assistance and require the driver to apply a lot more force to the brake pedal.

Remedial Action : Examine the condition of the vacuum supply pipe and fit an improved quality replacement where necessary.

 

[PaulGT]

just called the stealer! Helpful as ever! Just said i would of got a letter!

Did u guys get letters?

 

[tdiconvert]

TKPeters, you are a star! Many thanks for the info above, extremely useful. I never cease to be overwhelmed by the incredible support from fellow Mk4 owners on this site.

 

[Redbeard7]

PaulGT, We didn't get a letter as the the recall showed up as I was getting them to register our details to the car on the VW database as we were the second owner.

tdiconvert, just glad to be of help to someone, It needs forums like this to keep people informed. My stealer didn't look at the car, they just booked it in and did the job. They probably want to look at yours as it's broke.