Hi all,

I recently bought a 2005 ford focus zetec. I received a 6 month warranty on the engine and gear box when I bought it. About 2 days ago I noticed the rev counted jumping in on tickover, I can also hear the engineer revving, to the point where it sounds like I'm tapping the accelerator. Also the same day, I had an issue with the brake suddenly going hard. It has since done it a few times. It seems to jump between being Ok then it's hard to press. I am assuming that the 2 are linked? I'm hoping it's nothing too serious as I paid out a bit to get the car and pay off the insurance and with a kid on the way the expenses are piling up. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hi welcome :)

hi post in the focus forum and Iam sure someone will help

I would hazard a guess at a vacuum leak, sounds like the 2 are linked. Worth checking the hard plastic pipe from the throttle body to the brake servo.

Thanks. I had done some research and that came up a few times. Am I best replacing the vacuum pump or is there a way of checking for and fixing a leak? As you have probably guessed I'm no expert but am fairly competent in fixing things when I know what needs doing. Thanks for your help stef123

A petrol engine doesn't have a vacuum pump, it uses vacuum from the manifold side of the throttle body.

I would start by doing a visual check of the vacuum pipe.

Ok thanks. I will check this evening

Hi. So I've checked and can't see any signs of a split pipe. There is a pipe behind the engine that doesn't seem to be attached to anything. At first I though this was the issue but it seems to be leading from the dash board. Is this normal or would you say that is where the issue is. I would attach a pic but I don't seem to be able to

that pipe is air con overflow its meant to be there

Ok, I think I've sorted it. Found a small pipe towards the front of the engine that was loose. I've adjusted it and it seems to have worked. Sounds fine and the brakes good. Thanks for your help mate. Much appreciated