# 2008 Volkswagen Beetle Coupe - Leaking vacuum pump

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-volkswagen-beetle-coupe-leaking-vacuum-pump/166412>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** volkswagen\
**Created:** [June 26, 2020, 10:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-volkswagen-beetle-coupe-leaking-vacuum-pump/166412 "2020-06-26T22:22:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Dorothy43](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/77aa72/32.png) [@Dorothy43](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dorothy43)\
**Post date:** [June 26, 2020, 10:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-volkswagen-beetle-coupe-leaking-vacuum-pump/166412/1 "2020-06-26T22:22:45Z")

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I have a leaking vacuum pump. My mechanic quoted almost $2,000 for repair. I want to know if that is necessary. All I notice is that the door locks don’t always lock. No big deal. I push the button manually. The car is 12 years old with 100,000 miles. I always check to make sure the car is locked before I leave it parked and would rather not spend $2000.

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**Author:** ![davepsinbox\_157004](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@davepsinbox\_157004](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davepsinbox_157004)\
**Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 2:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-volkswagen-beetle-coupe-leaking-vacuum-pump/166412/2 "2020-06-27T02:46:06Z")

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The pump by itself is maybe $350. Gotta wonder how much labor is involved? $1650 worth?  
[https://www.autozone.com/engine-management/vacuum-pump/volkswagen/beetle/2008](https://www.autozone.com/engine-management/vacuum-pump/volkswagen/beetle/2008)

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**Author:** ![Dorothy43](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/77aa72/32.png) [@Dorothy43](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dorothy43)\
**Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 3:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-volkswagen-beetle-coupe-leaking-vacuum-pump/166412/3 "2020-06-27T03:44:56Z")

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The mechanic is probably hoping for that much profit. Not getting it from me though.

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**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\
**Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 4:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-volkswagen-beetle-coupe-leaking-vacuum-pump/166412/4 "2020-06-27T04:58:43Z")

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The pump has nothing to do with the door locks. I believe it affects engine performance and may provide vacuum to operate the brakes. Based on that I suggest you get a second opinion from a trusted independent mechanic. The 2k price is a bit high for the job unless there is more work involved. Was this estimate from a dealer?

Ed B

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**Author:** ![Dorothy43](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/77aa72/32.png) [@Dorothy43](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dorothy43)\
**Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 5:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-volkswagen-beetle-coupe-leaking-vacuum-pump/166412/5 "2020-06-27T05:34:13Z")

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Yes. The dealer.

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**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\
**Post date:** [June 27, 2020, 2:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-volkswagen-beetle-coupe-leaking-vacuum-pump/166412/6 "2020-06-27T14:44:01Z")

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Again I suggest a 2nd opinion from an independent mechanic. Ask friends, family or neighbors for recommendations. If the car does need a pump it should be considerably less than a dealer.

Ed B
