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So here is the deal I have a 1997 f-250 7.3 diesel. I was driving down the road and pulled into a parking lot and I had no brakes!! I looked all over and could not find any brake fluid leaking anywhere. The brake pedal is hard as a rock and the brake light is on. To make matters worse while the truck is idling the power steering pump is making all kind of noise and there is some really black fluid on the front of the driver side valve cover it looks like engine oil. After the truck sits for a minute I have brakes but as soon as I touch the brake pedal it does the same thing!!!! Can somebody please help me??!!! I would greatly appreciate it..!!!
Vacuum pump going? Are you sure it is the power steering pump that is making the noise? Your vacuum pump is in the upper right area of the serpentine belt path.
They do fail eventually, but are not difficult to replace if you have any mechanical ability at all.
Do a search for vacuum pump and you'll find a bunch of info.
The threads listed don't all necessarily have to do with replacing the vacuum pump, but I am sure you'll find what you need if you read through what is there.
your vacum pump is definatly the problem. the black fluid you see is the lube oil from the pump, and the noise is it self destructing. The reason you ahve no brakes is cause the pump provided the needed vacum for the power assist brakes.
its a simple fix.... three 10mm bolts and you'll need to use the puller/press kit from discount auto. i had to do mine again yesterday. goodthing for the lifetime warranty they give.
It is not hard at all to do this job.
The most difficult part is getting the pulley off the old pump and onto the new pump.
TJBEGGS and I agreed to disagree on appropriate methods of putting the pulley on the new pump.
But I will agree that if you have access to the correct tools, use them. My method was used because it was evening time when I did mine and I had to have it done so I could get to work the next day.
I thank you all for your help!!! This site is unbelievable I have found so much information you all have been so helpfull I think I might try the Hydo pump what do you all think