A Ford Transit recently came into our Sutherland Shire workshop with a dangerously hard brake pedal, an immediate red flag for a braking system issue. After running a full diagnostic, we quickly traced the root of the problem to a failed vacuum pump.

We replaced the faulty unit with a genuine Ford vacuum pump. But during the removal process, we took the opportunity to dismantle the old pump to see what had gone wrong. What we found was surprising: the pump was packed with debris—far more than usual.

This raised a bigger concern. Where was all this debris coming from?

Our investigation led us to a deeper issue: the engine’s timing belt had started to delaminate. Worse, it was wet and beginning to break down, likely contaminating the vacuum pump with debris over time. If left unchecked, this could have led to catastrophic engine failure.

We immediately ordered a full set of genuine Ford timing components. The timing belt, tensioners, and associated parts were all replaced. After careful reassembly and testing, the engine is now running smoothly, and the braking system is functioning as it should.

This wasn’t a cheap repair, but it was a critical one. Consider this: a brand-new engine for a Ford Transit can cost upwards of $15,000. Catching and addressing this problem early not only restored brake performance but also potentially saved the engine from total failure.

If this vehicle had continued to run with a faulty vacuum pump and deteriorating timing belt, it could have resulted in complete brake failure and severe engine damage.

Moral of the story? Never ignore changes in brake feel, and always investigate the cause thoroughly.

Call Bob Mol Motors on (02) 9525 3433 , or email us at Service@bobmolmotors.com.au
You can find out more about our servicing here, and take a look at some of our reviews here.
Keep up to date with our news and announcements by following us on Facebook.