Ford F-150 3.5L Ecoboost Hard Brake Pedal: Vacuum Pump Replacement 

Found the issue they never replaced the blown fuse. Can't find one will have to go to dealer. Thanks for your informative videos. Nice to see someone who actually takes pride in their work and diagnosing things instead of being a "part swapper". Appreciate it!

This just started last 2 morning on my 2011 eb with 94k miles on it. Just wanted to say thank you for all your videos they help a lot!

Great videos Brian. I have just helped the owner of a 2012 F150 Ecoboost replace the latest of the 4 pumps this truck has had since new. The vehicle only has 154,000 km (about 95,500 miles). The original pump was changed under the 2017 recall just before this owner took possession from the Ford dealer in March 2018 at about 100,000 km (60,000 miles). Since then, the owner has paid the dealer to replace that recalled pump in 2020 just a little over 2 years ago ( the replacement warranty is 24 months, this one lasted 30 months so the dealer declined to replace it at their expense). The newest unit was purchased and shipped from RockAuto for just over $800 CDN and is identical to the last dealer installed Ford pump. The kicker here is that the Ford price is over $1000 CDN just for the pump alone, no labour. I was a parts specialist for a Ford dealership for 11 years between 1970 and 1981 while working through my mechanic’s apprenticeship. I have seen some examples of poor product back then and since, but this pump was an engineering fail of master proportions. No vacuum pump design should ever allow the pumped air or exterior water/dirt contaminated air to run through its crankcase and bearings. As a final note, the third Ford pump was made in the Czech Republic so the question is, did Ford ask a supplier for a cheap vacuum pump or did Ford provide the full design specs to that supplier? The answer will point the finger of blame.

This is most likely my exact problem . I replaced front and rear rotors and pads due to them being super rusty . It already has a new brake booster and reservoir. I literally have to stand in the brakes to get the truck to stop . Super stiff pedal no assist . Thank you man ! Checking mine tomorrow !!!

Ford puts together a good product, they make an effort to source quality parts, where Ford fails is long term testing, treat customers like they are disposable. Fords are a great value pre-owned just my 2 cents

Much appreciated your video, switched my pump out in 15 minutes, saved me beaucoup dollars, also noted the replacement was plastic or at least sealed much better

Awesome video, thank you so much!! Shop just quoted me $2,000 to replace… so I looked it up and was shocked how easy and quick you just did this

Got mine changed for free today. ford extended warranty to 10 yr/150,000 mile. all good now

Another quality looking ford component!

Thanks for the heads up on this pump!!

In the morning I wait a minute for the secondary vacuum to kick in or I'll back into my neighbors driveway across the road because I can't brake!! I learn so much about vehicle mechanics owning a ford..

My 2011 F150 EB with 62,400km vacuum pump assembly failed as you described in July 2015. Ford will not cover under warranty. Pump cost $515.99 + $160.50 labour (CDN). I had heard that Ford changed to a mechanical pump in 2013. It is definitely a safety issue and should be a mandated recall. By the time the vacuum boost activated the brakes I had driven through the intersection at the end of the street.

I was experiencing this issue, and bought the part off Rockauto and installed it following your instructions. It is definitely much better now, but if I am starting off going downhill, my truck still experiences a little bit of this issue, although it is much faster at stopping now. Is that just going to happen now, or could I have done something wrong? Thank you for the help!

Had this problem on my 2012 F150 3.5 Eco. Thankfully I was still under warranty.

man thanks for great videos.

Awesome explanation of the failures the engineers. I do have a second time that the some problem. I am still the owner of this vehicle. So sad I can’t clamping my seconds pavement (almost CAD $1,000.00). I did contacted FORD the Headquarters and tolled me that pay only once for this RECALL. If you van it to keep your vehicle, you paying for there technical BUBU. Video and the explanation in it is very educational. Thank you for the advertising and the explanation of the issue. Dušan from BC, VANCOUVER ISLAND.

Does this supply vacuum to the IWE on the ecoboost also? I'm having an issue with the 4X4 not dis-engaging. I know there were issues with water in the IWE, before I replace my wheel ends, should I change this pump too?

thank you Brian your videos have been so helpful thank you

Do you have to boost it after u pet in a new pump? Thats what my dealer ship is telling me

Did the faulty vacuum pump cause a loud noise at start up of the engine as well? I am having trouble with the brakes and have a loud hum every time I start it.

Any codes that are associated with the failure of this pump?

hey thanks. good to know. knowledge is power

So is the flex part of this Ecoboost engine experience? I am buying the last model year of 2020 and want to get the Ecoboost for the extra power but wanted to know if all Ecoboost engines have problems and if I should stick with the non Ecoboost? The reason I want the flex is because the space that crossover has meets all our family needs. Checked out the Durango and has no trunk space, checked out the traverse but it's almost the same as the enclave space wise and I am not a mini van kind of guy so the flex met my needs, even the explorer felt a little cramped from the second row seating. And I need the 3rd row lol, I checked out an expedition but it's too expensive for the base model. 🤔

Thank you for sharing, gonna save me a lot of money, dealership wanted $1,100 to change it

Thanks so much for the video mine just went, I guess I'm too late for the recall. But at least I know how to change it.

Have a 2011 F-150 with 80K miles and it's been making the noise for almost a year now. No issues with the brakes but the pump was increasing in noise. Part is $345 from Rock Auto and it went in like a charm. Over $450 from the local Ford dealer. If you can screw in a light bulb, you can replace this. Ford gets $300 in labor to replace this and it took me 30 minutes - I need to get paid that hourly rate... Took the ends off to see the diaphragm and there was a ton of corrosion inside. Worse than the video. Surprised the pump even worked. I agree the new plastic replacement shouldn't corrode so much as the aluminum original.

I was thinking the air outlet should be connected to dirty side of the air filter houshing or some were dry so that pump dosent get moisture from spray of the car in front when its raining even worse in winter conditions were salt is on the roads.

Great Video. Pretty sure thats my problem. Can't seem to find one online. Any suggestions?

Just wanted to add. Mine was replaced March 2016. I needs replacing again, but it’s not covered because it’s a one time fix so I have to shell out for this one. Just wondered how many others are having this same problem of fixing it twice. Ford should be keeping track of this.

Great videos. Thanks for the contribution. I have noticed the 2015 have a hard break pedal in the a.m. but goes soft right when I fire it up. Is this how they system works since its an electric pump?

Typical pourus aluminum castings, and yes, bad placement on Fords part for such a critical safety item. But Ford must have realized this and recast the vacuum pump housing in plastic for the replacement part which should greatly reduce the moisture/corrosion problem. Great videos and keep up the good work.

Assuming this also provide vacuum for the 4wd front hubs? Only in the morning and occasionally when just starting out after start I can hear the hubs making noise. On slow roll, and usually when braking is when I hear this low fringing sound. I will switch to 4wd and the noise does not continue. I have never had any brake pedal issue. Comments? Thanks

Great videos. I've watch a few this morning. I have 2011 ecoboost that has seen the dealership for repairs a few too many times I think. Brakes, wiper arm and a vaccum pump. Scary thing for me is the vaccum pump is going again. Had it replaced a year and a half ago so it is not under warrantee anymore. I will be changing it myself once it goes again thanks to your video. I agree this should be a recall do to it being a safety issue...

Just did a 2017 Ford fusion vacuum pump drove fine until customer claims it died mid drive, car now cranks but sounds like no compression is there? Any help is appreciated

Your videos rock!

Does this also exist on the 2015 aluminum body trucks, or have they revised the design in someway?

Could this cause waste gate actuator issues?

If your vac pump is going can it make a load grinding sound??

I just bought a 2011 a few weeks ago and noticed the vacuum pump making noise shortly after startup (but it still seems to be working). Would it be worthwhile to remove the vacuum pump, take off the covers you removed in the video and spray some silicone lubricant to hopefully get as much life out of this thing as possible? As luck would have it, I’m at 160k & out of the recall window. Thanks!

Could this also happen in a 2010 Explorer V6?

I have questions about the vacuum pump... My dealer also told me the reason why when I switch to four-wheel drive and it shutters when I give it gas like it's not engaging correctly it's because the vacuum pump is that true?.. Something about it's not enough pressure?

Thank you so much for this video.

Got mine changed under the warranty 3 years ago. My second pump is going out already with only 85k total miles. Ford says the let alone is $800 and warranty won’t fix a second time. Any place to look or links for a cheaper alternative?

Just replaced my pump and harness and it still vibrates. Not like it did before but is this normal and I’m just noticing it because of how loud it was before?

i replace the bacuum pump and fuse too and no wire voltage do you know the problem?

Any recommendations on where to buy this pump? All the items in the links are sold out and having a hard time finding these online in general. Local dealer wants $800 for it. Thanks.

I might have a new way to push pistons in an engine so won't have engine vacuum. Can this pump work stand alone to provide vacuum?

My truck would make a squealing sound in park and in reverse. I took it to the dealer and they said it was the vacuum pump. Glad I fixed it before I had actual braking problems.

Great video. My 2014 F150 has been at the dealer for a month, and they have replaced the booster twice, and the cam driven vacuum pump, and I still have hard braking at idle only. If I drive vehicle, it brakes fine, but if idling for a bit, system loses vacuum and I get hard braking. They say my engine idles 70 RPM lower than normal, and that is the reason for the loss of vacuum at idle. Any thoughts?

wow a 3 yr old car----(2011--video made 2014) great video. thanks

2011 eco with this problem. Mines actually a Canadian one. They have a recall for it, but since it’s the Canadian models only I’d have to go to Canada to get it done. Talked with local, US, and CAN Ford and can’t even just send me the part. Guess it gives me a reason to drive a few hours to Canada and get it done, once Covid gets under control of course..

Will this effect my 4x4 vacume having problems

do the f250 with 6.2 l v8 have that crap in it too?

mercedes benz did something similar by going with all electronic brake-by-wire brakes... there was an electronic motor that actuated each corner with it's own pressure. Good thing is that it provided amazing stability in skidding/sliding conditions. Bad thing is if it failed you were F$%^d. They provided a small slave piston to actuate the brakes in case of an emergency but it took 10 times the stopping distance/pedal force!!!! And to replace that unit makes this repair seem real cheap lol. Not to mention it made it hard for DIYers to do their own brakes because of the fear of it actuating a piston while it was off the rotor. Little did people know all you have to do is unplug it :)

Had the TSB done on my 2011, they replaced the pump. Still doing it after sitting for a day or two.

The brake pedal on my 10 mks ecoboost loses all of its pressure when it sits over night but it seems to come back when I start it. It has Park assist

YES THANK YOUU i kneww there was a problem!!!!

If there is ABS sound on top of hard brake right after start could it be ABS assembly issue or it is still the vacuum pump?

I got a letter yesterday saying that it was now covered under warranty... 100k 10 Year on the Vacuum Pump. (2012 FX4)

Any idea why my brakes would not be returning all the way? Just got a booster/master cylinder replacement now my pedal feels lits it's not returning all the way and the brakes are dragging a bit. (2013 3.5L)

Does this pump run the 4wd system as well? I have a loud compressor like sound at start up and when trying to shift into 4wd. The truck will not go into 4wd right now and make the sounds when trying to engage. 2012 XLT F150 Ecoboost.

Could this also happen simply because it's cold? I have the same experience when I'm driving in the snow. It seems that the brake pedal is rock solid and I can't press it in and the drivers side tire seems to rattle/shutter and I don't seem to have any traction at all.

could this be a cause for the IWE's to want to engage? Already changed out vacuum lines, check valve and IWE's and it was fine for a while but all of a sudden started to make a loud grinding noise at highway speed intermittently. Goes away if 4x4 is engaged. I'm thinking if this helps create vacuum it might be the problem?

Thank you

When this starts to fail will it start buzzing on brake application? Ford won't help me out

Mine started making a terrible grinding sound 6 months after I bought It, so I replaced It from rock auto. It was only $350 after shipping. Just a year later this new one is already making that grinding sound, and from what I have researched that means it’s going to go out soon. Part is $475 now, luckily I have a 2 year warranty on the part so I don’t have to pay for It, but It’s odd to me It already went out…maybe a bigger issue

GREAT VIDEO! I am a new Fan/Follower!!😊

So I had the pump replaced by the dealer through the recall. Pulling out of the lot, loud brake noise from now from REAR of truck. Asked the adviser, he gives me a line about condensation from the car wash. Obviously that is not the problem. Week passes. Noise still occurs every time after truck has been turned off for about 10-15 minutes, (not as bad if truck has been idling) and when truck moves forward or back, no brake applied. noise goes away after about 20 seconds. Dealer now says my brakes are bad and I need a complete brake job, including 4 new rotors. I think the problem has something to do with the vacuum pump replacement. Thoughts?

I have a 2012 F-150. My symptoms were hard brake pedal on cold startup when backing up and hard brake pedal when I drove long distance going forward. I would tap on the brake and it would get soft, but than it felt like built up pressure again and the brake pedal would get very hard again. I took my truck to the dealership and they replace the vacuums pump, took three trips... I drove my truck and I am not getting the brake issues going forward however I am still dealing getting hard brake pedal on cold startup when backing up. I took it back to the dealership this week and the tech said he felt the hard pedal in reverse on cold startup and wants to try replacing the ABS sensor. I'm frustrated because when someone says they want to try something that makes me thing they don't know what the problem is and they are just throwing parts at it, and since I am paying for the parts I'm not ok with spending unnecessary money on something. What do you thing? Can anyone help or give input?

I have a 2013 F150 ecoboost XLT....some times, when shifting from reverse to drive (cold and warm) i can hear a groaning sound once the trans goes into drive. It seems to be coming from the middle to the front of the truck, kind of odd. Didn't know if you have experienced this issue. Thanks for any help....oh and my truck has 16K miles. Thanks a bunch!

Anyone a replacement pump from an other vehicule/brand ? Heard the GM 3.6 v6 pump should work ?

Changed vacuum pump and check valves at booster and inline and have no power to pump, fusez and relays all checked out ok. Any ideas? Still have hard brake at start and Drivers side brake issue, sticking and eating pads. Hel

Is it okay if the vacuum pump make noise because my make noise each and every time I stop and put my truck in reverse

Is the 2013 3.5 eco boost vacuum pump behind light also?

was the new unit a plastic case?? I would keep that old one for the recall so you can get a spare for that corroded lump

yes they oughta recall

What did this happens and you feel grinding through the pedal? And then suddenly it goes away?

Any idea if this was updated or relocated in the current gen trucks? I have a 2015 3.5 Eco.

can you tell me about that rubber "gasket" I see on the inside edge of your left fender? I did not have that on my 2010 f150 and I dont have it on my 2013 f150 ecoboost What is that there for? Noise? thanks Robert B

So i noticed my pump was getting really loud (brakes still feel fine) so i ordered a new one and its doing the same thing. Both the original and new pump are plastic housing. Is it possible i got a defective pump or is there a check valve broken somewhere?

I love your videos, they are very informative. Do you ever worry sometimes that by giving your honest opinion on camera that you may get some kind of back lash from Ford? It is hard to find videos that are as honest as yours, keep up the great work!

Is the setup the same on the 2014 3.5 F150 EcoBoost or did they change the design by then and it's no longer an issue for the 2014s?

Good Morning Sir, I found your video on the Ford Truck Forum and I am experiencing the same problem on my 2011 Ecoboost. As I am still under warranty I would like the dealership fix my pump. Do you mind if I send this video to my salesman as you explain it further explains the problem? Thanks for the help!!

Man I'm trying to fix up my 400000kms ecoboost, need driveshaft, phasers, timing chain, manifold and studs, brake vaccum pump anything you recommend I doing while replacing these things seeing high kms?

Where can I buy the pump and bracket. Can't seem to find it anywhere

Would this effect letting off the break and getting a little clunk?

All the pumps listed in your comments are currently unavailable. I'm about to put my sixth pump on my 100,000 mile 2011 f-150. Of the six Ford paid for two of them. Time to replace it again it's starting to get noisy assuming I can find one.

I had a rock hard brake pedal going down the highway at 70 miles an hour. Could this still be the cause?

is this possibly why you have breaking shudder at highway speeds?

Does anyone know why mine is noisy? I just replaced mine with a new one from ford and it make a loud vibrating noise.

The one in my truck was replaced by Ford under either warranty or recall, I'm not sure which. I called to see if they'd replace it again as the truck only has 55k miles on it, and they said no as it had already been done and would charge for the replacement. Now I'm hunting to find one and swap it myself. I'm wondering if anyone has found a long-term fix for this. I'm debating on spraying some sort of oil in the vacuum port at every oil change or something. $400 - $600 every few years is going to get pricey.

Is there a way to prevent it? i.e seal it somehow before it happens?

pump needs to be made of all plastic and should be relocated in engine compartment

My daughter's 2011 FX4 3.5 ECO has compounding problems. So far, it looks like a bad ABS AND Vacuum pump. Hard brakes on start up, and dragging front left. I suspect water intrusion in the vacuum system, and a stuck valve in the ABS.

I have a 2012. The pump is intermittent. Most of the time it happens at 70 mph. So it is no longer a slow speed problem.

That crazy design for the spark plugs got me. I got tired of them.

Can you make a video on a 2005 f150. Brake pedal hard. Replaced brake booster, master cylinder...and still have a hard brake pedal. Thank you

I have a 2014 F150 Ecoboost 4x4 and I'm getting a strange grinding/growling noise under acceleration during the approx. the first 10 - 15 mins of driving. The noise is usually loudest from a complete stop to approx. 45 mph, after this speed I don't really notice it. After the truck is completely warm the noise doesn't seem to be there as well. The noise began happening infrequently but has become louder and more consistent. I have read that people who are also having similar problems find that its an issue with the vacuum pump. It has been to the dealer and they claim they cannot hear it. So far no other immediate problems with the truck. It has right at 30K miles. What is your take on this? Is there anything I can do at home to try and determine the problem. I have visually looked at all the vacuum lines that I can see and they look fine. I would appreciate any input, I'd like to get this problem solved ASAP. Thank you.

And also is this the same fix for a 2014 Ford f150 EcoBoost?

Have you run into the problem where the vacuum pump leaks down during the night?