Expect to pay a total cost of around $441 for a replacement vacuum pump, with $315 for parts and $127for labor costs. Your exact repair cost depends on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace a vacuum pump?

A certified mechanic typically takes around 1.1 hours to finish the repairs. First, the mechanic will inspect your vehicle to see if the vacuum pump needs replacing. Then, they’ll get to work!

To give you an idea of average costs, here’s an overview of vacuum pump replacement costs for various cars:

Vacuum pump replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 22, 2024	Nellie, 26 Princeton, NJ	Chevrolet Corvette	$467	$394	$72	0.7 Hours
April 20, 2024	Lucile, 29 Phoenix, AZ	GMC Savana	$485	$394	$90	0.7 Hours
April 17, 2024	David, 35 Lubbock, TX	Ram 2500	--	$394	--	0.7 Hours
April 14, 2024	Willie, 39 Brooklyn, NY	Isuzu Rodeo	$475	$394	$80	0.7 Hours
April 12, 2024	Warren, 43 Portland, OR	Mazda Speed	$313	$224	$89	0.7 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do I need for my vacuum pump replacement and how much do those parts cost?

Read through your owner’s manual to determine what type of vacuum pump your vehicle uses, or ask your mechanic for precise parts. You’ll need either a mechanical or electrical pump, and you might need to replace the vacuum hose.

Mechanical vacuum pump: Most diesel vehicles or cars with a gasoline-powered engine with variable valve timing, direct fuel injection, a start-stop system, or a turbocharger use this type of pump. A mechanical vacuum pump generally costs $80 to $300.

Electrical vacuum pump: If your car is a hybrid or uses a fuel-cell battery, it most likely has an electric vacuum pump. An electrical vacuum pump costs about $115 to $300.

We recommend purchasing a vacuum pump at a local auto parts store like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, or NAPA Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. We also recommend trusted brands such as Pierburg, ACDelco, and Dorman for vacuum pump components. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

If you’re looking to save money, aftermarket parts are usually the way to go. However, if your car is still under warranty, or you want a quality guarantee that the parts will work, go with OEM parts.

Where can I buy parts for my vacuum pump replacement?

Head to your local automotive parts store like Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and NAPA Auto Parts. You can also check online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. You can stick to a budget by comparing prices on parts.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my vacuum pump replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can make the search for a mechanic to replace your vacuum pump a lot easier.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.

Here’s a look at some of our vetted shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

150 Reviews

Wrench Inc. - SMF

Vacuum Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$454

(Parts - $329, Labor - $125)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

142 Reviews

Havoline Xpress Lube - #1324

11988 W. Jewell Avenue, Lakewood, CO

Vacuum Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$437

(Parts - $329, Labor - $108)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$137

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (303) 985-1227

115 Reviews

On The Go Tires

(Mobile repair service), Fort Myers, FL

Vacuum Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$409

(Parts - $329, Labor - $80)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$75

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (239) 940-3250

148 Reviews

Plantation Tire Pros

3251 Drusilla Ln, Baton Rouge, LA

Vacuum Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$452

(Parts - $329, Labor - $123)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (225) 300-6827

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace the vacuum pump?

Once a licensed mechanic thoroughly inspects the vacuum pump to see if it’s damaged, broken, or leaking, here’s what they’ll do:

Remove the old vacuum pump

Install the new pump

Test the brakes to ensure the vacuum pump works correctly

Do a road test to verify that your car is functioning as it should

Keep in mind: The mechanic might find that the vacuum pump isn’t bad—that a separate issue is causing your mechanical problems. For instance, a broken drive belt, worn-out vacuum hose, or power supply problem could affect your brakes or the climate control system.

What happens if the vacuum pump fails in my car?

As you can imagine, it’s not good for your vehicle if you continue to drive with a faulty or damaged vacuum pump. Here are some of the problems that can happen if you do:

Difficulty pressing brake pedal

Reduced braking response

Reduced fuel efficiency

Damage to the engine’s cylinder heads

Loss of heating or cooling

Engine idling and misfires

Loss of braking power

Oil leaks

What is a vacuum pump?

A vacuum pump is a device found in vehicles with direct injection, turbocharged, or diesel engines that creates the vacuum necessary to power other systems in your car—such as the brakes, heating and air conditioning, and exhaust.

Gasoline engines naturally create vacuums simply by operating—but sometimes, the vacuum isn’t strong enough to power all the vacuum-dependent systems in your engine. And some engines—like diesel—don’t create vacuums when operating. That’s where the vacuum pump comes in.

How do I know if my vacuum pump is damaged?

Since your vacuum pump is an electrical component of your engine, it could break either electrically or mechanically. These are some common signs of a faulty or failing vacuum pump:

You hear a hissing sound

when you use the brakes: This alarming noise sounds like a loss of suction, similar to when your household vacuum loses power. It can mean that the vacuum pump is leaking or failing causing air to get pulled through the intake gasket or vacuum hoses.

The brakes are hard to operate: Without enough of a vacuum, your vehicle doesn’t have the power it needs for the brakes to work correctly. For instance, you might have to pump on the brakes to stop your car, or you may notice a delay in braking. Eventually, your brakes will stop working entirely, so this is a huge warning sign.

The heating and air conditioning systems don’t work: The climate control systems in your car can’t function without adequate power, so an AC on the fritz can mean that your vacuum pump is going out.

Oil leaks from underneath your car: Oil leaks are never a good sign, in this instance, they can mean a mechanical vacuum pump failure. If oil is leaking, the pump won’t be able to operate smoothly.

The car loses fuel efficiency: If a vacuum pump is leaking, possibly because vacuum hoses break, the exhaust won’t leave the engine, so burnt fuel accumulates, and the new fuel doesn’t burn as efficiently.

How often should I replace the vacuum pump?

The vacuum pump isn’t designed to be replaced or even serviced. It should last the life of the vehicle, which is why it’s so important to get a vacuum pump inspection if you notice signs of a problem.

How do I repair the vacuum pump?

Experts recommend that you hire a professional anytime your brake system needs repair services. The stakes are just too high for DIY! Plus, the mechanic has all the tools they need to make the repairs. In addition to a new vacuum pump, they’ll use a Torx screwdriver set, impact driver, and engine oil.

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FAQs

Is it safe to drive with a bad vacuum pump?

It’s not safe to drive with a bad vacuum pump since the vacuum pump is tied to the braking system. Driving with a bad vacuum pump can also damage the defroster, heating, and air conditioning. It’s best to replace the pump before costly repairs add up.

Can a vacuum pump damage an engine?

Yes. If you drive with a faulty vacuum pump, it could damage the cylinder heads on the top of the engine. Plus, the camshaft can break if the vacuum pump is incorrectly mounted.

How long should a brake booster vacuum pump last?

Vacuum pumps are designed to last as long as your vehicle, so it’s rare that you would need to replace the pump. However, the pumps can get damaged.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.