Mercedes: 1987 Mercedes W124 Series 300D-Turbo Vacuum Pump Replacement, mercedes benz 300d, engine oil pan

Question
How difficult is it to replace the Diesel Vacuum pump on my 1987 Mercedes 300D-Turbo ? Is it pretty Staright forward? or is it a difficult repair? I found 4 ball bearings and part of a race in my oil pan. The car still runs fine. My local shop said it must be the Vacuum pump. So I plan to keep it parked and try & swap out the Vacuum pump myself as I do not have the $1200 that my local mechanic said it will cost. I guess I am wondering what exactly I will need to do to R&R the pump. Including what tools I may need. & if there is anything "tricky" about the job?

Thank you

Jeff

Answer
This is a dirty DIY job.
Plan on 6 - 8 DIY hours to be safe.
I suggest you subscribe to alldatadiy.com for service information on your car.
Basic metric sockets and wrenches, jack and jack stands, hand cleaner and towels.
The lower engine oil pan MUST come off to clean all possible metal fragments out, before they do damage.

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1987 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbo
Part: Diesel Vacuum Pump
D3000-56042 Diesel Vacuum Pump Pierburg IN STOCK $307.72  

D3000-56042 Diesel Vacuum Pump Hella IN STOCK $307.72  
http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=merc...

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1987 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbo
Part: Oil Pan Gasket
 Note:  lateral pan to sump
A6130-23965 Oil Pan Gasket Goetze IN STOCK $3.33
http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/quote.jsp?clientid=merc...