Hey guys,

The nipple that holds a hose onto my air pump (located on driver side,lower front bumper area) broke off. I pretty much have to replace the whole damn thing and it is $611. What is its function and how much will it harm my S if I don't fix it right away?. Thanks.

 

Emissions. Pumps air into exhaust to heat the cat quickly. If it isn't operating you'll get a CEL but if it's operating but not connected I'm not sure what will happen. You may get exhaust going back along the hose.

 

No clue about what the air pump does (other than pump air). Maybe its an emission control thingy.

How'd this happen?

 

Geez Aus. You beat me to the draw.

 

 

yep it is a emissions device. it pumps air into the exhuast to supply oxygen for burn of hc(hydrocarbons) and co(partialy burn hydrocarbons) leftover from the combustion process thus aiding the cat in its atempt to burn them.this process is normally only done on cold startup.no change in performance with or without pump.just cleaner air out the back.just the weight savings but the whole unit weighs what about 1lbs.

 

Thanks guys. Great help. Ummm, how'd it happen?... after a near death experience with a semi, long story short, I essentially bottomed out flying off the highway going into the center ditch which ripped off the driver side front inner-fender, along with breaking the nipple off the air pump. I am going to try to use some JB Weld to fix it myself and save some dough. Hopefully it works, wish me luck! Thanks for the help guys.

 

try finding one in a junkyard or used online.

 

You should be able to find one from someone who has built a track car or is using the AEM.