Failed Vacuum Brake Pump Assembly
Official Ford Rep
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 6
Loud noise on cold start-up finally reproduced by dealer after several visits. Diagnosed as failing Vacuum Pump, on emergency back order. Reading about this issue in this forum, realize this is a common issue, confirmed by Ford not having a replacement part in stock. Expecting several months delay says dealer...
Welcome to the forum! I'm Crystal, the Ford Service rep here, and I'd like to look into this to see how I can help. What's your truck's model year and mileage?
mine has really hard pedal just after start up and occasionally in a parking lot. Couple of close calls where I really had to hammer the brakes hard to get it stopped. Going to have to remind them that I work for a certain government agency that deals with vehicle defects such as this. Was told by the service manager that they had sooo many problems with the pumps that Ford is looking for a new supplier.
I recommend getting in touch with our Ford Canada rep, Brittany. Here's a link to her profile here on the forum: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/member.php?u=708828 Send her a PM and she'll do what she can to assist.
Crystal
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Canada
mine is a 2012 FX4 but the quote is not mine, my symptoms were hard pedal after start up and now in parking lots etc. Parts are on Emergency order status as well though. Funny how the service manager was not going to release the truck until he found out that they would have to give me a loaner while I wait. Guess it isn't that dangerous when there is a cost associated with it. Donnelly Ford in Ottawa
considered changing it myself and sending the bill to Ford.
http://www.summitracing.com/int/sear...n/vacuum-pumps
considered changing it myself and sending the bill to Ford.
http://www.summitracing.com/int/sear...n/vacuum-pumps
New User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
re
Thanks for your response, I have a 2011 F150 XLT with ecoboost engine.
The more I think on this the more I have to respectfully disagree. There are times when after pressing the brake pedal that there is a very strong pulsating feeling. Other times, zero, or, somewhere in between. This coming and going & varying degrees of the pulsing makes me question needing pads or rotors (pads anyway as I've inspected them and they look fine..plenty on them, and the rotor has no indications of an issue - not even any real dust on them).
Last edited by RiverTed; Sep 2, 2014 at 05:47 PM. Reason: responded to wrong post
New User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
My 2011 XLT ecoboost truck has 118k but the vacuum pump noise has been around since before 80K. By the time I drive 1 hour to my dealer the noise had stopped as it only lasted for the few few minutes after a cold start.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 256
From: Woodbridge, Ontario, CA
As inconvenient as it may be, you need to leave your truck overnight for the tech to start up the next day, cold soak. The symptom will very easily be duplicated as you and I know.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Hey M-Chan68 since you seem to be in the know about this would you say this noise is the brake pump issue or the timing chain issue?
It's happening on cold starts, not everytime though... My brakes feel fine, no problems there yet. I've pumped the brakes to actuate the pump and it makes a faint noise that sounds like normal operation to me, so I am leaning towards to the timing chain.
Truck is at dealer now....
It's happening on cold starts, not everytime though... My brakes feel fine, no problems there yet. I've pumped the brakes to actuate the pump and it makes a faint noise that sounds like normal operation to me, so I am leaning towards to the timing chain.
Truck is at dealer now....
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Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 256
From: Woodbridge, Ontario, CA
Hey M-Chan68 since you seem to be in the know about this would you say this noise is the brake pump issue or the timing chain issue?
2011 F-150 Ecoboost Startup Noise Rattle - YouTube
It's happening on cold starts, not everytime though... My brakes feel fine, no problems there yet. I've pumped the brakes to actuate the pump and it makes a faint noise that sounds like normal operation to me, so I am leaning towards to the timing chain.
Truck is at dealer now....
2011 F-150 Ecoboost Startup Noise Rattle - YouTube
It's happening on cold starts, not everytime though... My brakes feel fine, no problems there yet. I've pumped the brakes to actuate the pump and it makes a faint noise that sounds like normal operation to me, so I am leaning towards to the timing chain.
Truck is at dealer now....
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
YUP. That does indeed sound like the vacuum pump rattling away. If you want a more certain confirmation of this, have an assistant start the engine up cold soak as I described above, while you stand directly in front of the driver side headlight assembly as the noise appears. You will likely hear/feel the noise if you reach under the bumper to put your hand on the pump.
If it turns out to be the vacuum pump my remaining powertrain warranty will not cover it. I think the selling dealer should be taking care of this.
Here is the other issue I am having....
This seems to happen when under power usually after a shift any gear, random times. A weird howling/rumbling noise. It starts at 32 seconds in.
My 4th F-150 and the first I've ever had to drive right off the lot and into the service dept. Disappointing.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 77
From: Central Florida
I had that same sound when I was in 2WD, when in 4WD it did not occur. I'll look at my repair order to get the part they replaced. I think it was a vacuum actuator to engage/disengage the front hub. 20,000 miles later the sound is still gone.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
I had that same sound when I was in 2WD, when in 4WD it did not occur. I'll look at my repair order to get the part they replaced. I think it was a vacuum actuator to engage/disengage the front hub. 20,000 miles later the sound is still gone.
The noise under power sounds like it could be a hub spooling... I have found how to replicate it with 100% success.
Give the vehicle moderate gas and begin accelerating... Once up to speed or while accelerating just let off the gas ever so slightly and it begins making this noise, so long as I hold the gas in that position the noise rumbles throughout the truck.... Not sure what the heck... Ford can't replicate. I can do it 20 times in a mile lol.... It is 100% not normal based on my experience with my other ecoboost truck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 77
From: Central Florida
It was the noise under power. I could also duplicate it 9 out of 10 tries. I would just accelerate up to 70 mph back off to about 69 & hold it, the noise would start. If I slowed down more or speed up it would go away. On the highway with slight hills the noise would come and go on it's own. I could not duplicate the noise while in 4WD.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
It was the noise under power. I could also duplicate it 9 out of 10 tries. I would just accelerate up to 70 mph back off to about 69 & hold it, the noise would start. If I slowed down more or speed up it would go away. On the highway with slight hills the noise would come and go on it's own. I could not duplicate the noise while in 4WD.
I actually remember having a hub actuator problem in my 2005 F-150. When it finally went it sounded like my truck had run over a chainlink fence. I'm going to test tomorrow in 4WD like you say.. Again, Thank You!!!