Vacuum Pump Relocation Kit for Wrangler 2012-2018
Relocate your JK's vacuum pump from the front bumper area to under the hood—the essential first step when installing an aftermarket bumper with a recessed winch plate.
The Bracket That Makes Your Bumper Upgrade Possible
Here's the scenario every JK owner runs into when upgrading to a quality aftermarket bumper: You've picked out the perfect steel bumper with a low-profile winch mount that tucks the winch back between the frame rails for better approach angle and protection. You're ready to install it, then you discover the factory vacuum pump—mounted right behind the stock bumper—is directly in the way. The recessed winch plate has nowhere to go because that brake booster vacuum pump is occupying the exact space your new setup needs.
This vacuum pump relocation kit solves that clearance issue by moving the pump from its factory location behind the bumper to a protected spot under the hood in the engine compartment. The installation is straightforward—bolt the relocation bracket to existing mounting points, secure the vacuum pump to the new bracket, and extend the wiring using the included extension harness. Once relocated, your vacuum pump is better protected from trail damage while giving you the clearance needed for modern aftermarket bumpers with recessed winch mounting systems.
Key Features at a Glance
- Essential for Aftermarket Bumpers: Required when installing most steel bumpers with recessed or low-profile winch plates on 2012-2018 JK models
- Relocates to Protected Location: Moves vacuum pump from exposed front bumper area to under-hood engine compartment—safer from rock strikes and trail damage
- Complete Wiring Extension Included: Pre-made wiring harness extends factory connections to reach the new mounting location
- Bolt-On Installation: Uses existing factory mounting points with no cutting or permanent modifications required
- Maintains Factory Function: Vacuum pump operates exactly as designed—brake booster performance remains unchanged
How It's Used: Installation & Fitment
Installation typically takes 30-45 minutes with basic hand tools. You'll unbolt the vacuum pump from its factory location on the front cross member, then mount the relocation bracket to existing holes in the engine compartment (driver's side near the fender). The vacuum pump then bolts to the relocation bracket. The included wiring extension connects between the factory harness and the vacuum pump's new location—simple plug-in connectors, no splicing required. The factory vacuum hose is long enough to reach the new location without modification on most installations. Many JK owners tackle this as their first step before bumper installation, knocking it out in under an hour.
Product Durability & Material Details
The relocation bracket is typically constructed from thick gauge steel or aluminum plate—materials chosen for strength and corrosion resistance. The bracket design positions the vacuum pump securely while maintaining proper alignment of the pump's mounting points, ensuring no stress on the pump housing or connections. Moving the pump under the hood actually improves its longevity by protecting it from rock impacts, mud, and water splash that it was exposed to in the factory location. The wiring extension uses proper gauge wire with sealed connectors to maintain reliable electrical connection in the engine bay environment. This is a permanent upgrade that will outlast your ownership of the vehicle.
Your Benefits at a Glance
- Bumper Compatibility: Enables installation of modern aftermarket bumpers with recessed winch mounting systems
- Better Protection: Pump is safer under the hood than exposed behind the front bumper where it's vulnerable to trail damage
- Improved Approach Angle: Allows use of low-profile winch mounts that tuck the winch back for better clearance
- Maintains Function: Brake booster vacuum system operates exactly as factory designed—no performance loss
Extra Info & Specifications
Fitment:
- 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK (2-door)
- 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JKU (4-door Unlimited)
- All trim levels: Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, and specialty editions
- Required for most aftermarket bumpers with recessed/low-profile winch plates
When You Need This Kit:
- Installing an aftermarket steel bumper with recessed winch mount
- Upgrading to a low-profile winch plate that sits between the frame rails
- Adding a heavy-duty winch in a tucked position for better approach angle
- Protecting the vacuum pump from trail damage in its exposed factory location
Installation Notes:
- Bolt-on installation using factory mounting points
- No cutting or permanent modifications required
- Typical installation time: 30-45 minutes
- Basic hand tools required (sockets, wrenches)
- Factory vacuum hose reaches new location without modification on most applications
Package Includes:
- Vacuum pump relocation bracket
- Wiring extension harness with connectors
- All necessary mounting hardware and bolts
- Installation instructions