Brake Query

Evening,

Having brake issues with a 1997 300tdi,

Had a good search which has thrown up mixed results,

I believe my vacuum pump is failing,

Brake pedal isnt getting hard (I think its an age problem )

I dont think the brake servo is at fault as it gets hard when the engine isnt running,

Thoughts ?

doesnt sound like vac problem ,you can check vac pump and servo are working by holding foot hard on brake pedal then start engin whilst still pressing pedal , pedal should sink under your foot as vac works on servo, spongy pedal is air or very old fluid ,leak or weak flexi pipes ,if when brake pedals pumped and fluid splashes up in reservoir it can be sign of poor master cylinder

I suspect old pipes,

Might just change vac and master cylinder to be safe as well, but pipes first,

But only because its the cheap option lol