Need some advice on 97 Polo purchase

[RisingPhoenix]

Thanks Pontiff,

Is the VAG dealer the only option for the Vacuum pump? Or are there alternatives? Also, the vacuum hose seems quite tight. What kind of fitting is it? Any easy removal method you can recommend?

Cheers,

Steve

[jets]

If you can establish that a new pump is required & you don't mind buying SH, they should be available from the wreckers. I had a quick look on ebayUK & they seem to be around 15 pounds.

[RisingPhoenix]

I'd be interested to know if anyone has a diagnostics check list for the vacuum pump, rather than just throwing parts at the problem.

Cheers,

Steve

[sports racer]

What are the symptoms?

[RisingPhoenix]

Central locking doesn't work at all when unlocking or locking doors. Fuel cap never locks when doors are locked. I've also found passenger side lock doesn't like the drivers key, and boot lock requires a weird 1 1/3rd turn held to unlock (if that makes sense IE can't leave unlocked)

[RisingPhoenix]

Also, since the mechanic accidentally displaced/(I'm guessing broke off) the on windscreen rearview mirror during last service, any thoughts on replacements/adhesives to replace the original or anyone who has a good idea for a replacement gear knob/boot? Seem previous owner did a dodgy fix after trying to unscrew the OEM gear knob!

[sports racer]

Sounds like the vacuum pump. That's the one common thing that links all the locks together. Or you might have a leak somewhere so you should test the pump to see if you're getting any vacuum.

5 minute Araldite works great for sticking mirrors back on.

Is it the knob you need or the boot around the base of the gearstick?

[RisingPhoenix]

Cheers, Do you know what I should look for to test the pump? Pins to apply 12V to/sounds/actions to listen for?

Will go for the Araldite, just need to remove the old adhesive first.

Given I work in the trucking industry, I never thought I'd say this, nor may ever live it down, It's the knob I need.

[sports racer]

I'd repeat your quote but there's no way I'm going there! I've got one if you pay for postage but anything from a wrecker should be ok.

Disconnect the plastic pipe coming out of the vacuum pump and put your finger over the hole where the pipe came off. You're trying to see if there is a vacuum when you push down the lock on the drivers door.

You could also suck or blow (this post is going downhill fast) the pipe you disconnected to see if there is a leak.

Cheers

Paul

[RisingPhoenix]

Ah, the gutter. My friend of familiarity.

Will check out the vacuum pump over the weekend. When I gave it a cursory glance a week or so back the actual vacuum tubing seems to be on rather tight. Is it glued? Any risk of major damage by forcefully removing it? Is the white part over the tube a securing clip? Will send you a PM tomorrow about postage for the gear knob, do you have a boot in good condition as well by chance?

Cheers,

Steve