I need to replace my brake servo pipe as it came loose the other day and I lost all braking power and the engine was misfiring badly. I traced it to the pipe coming from engine block which was loose at the engine end as well as joint in the middle (non-return valve?). The best I can find is £71 for a new one on eBay.

See here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/196219820139?_skw=6Q2612041AL&itmmeta=01JXWJSANRZHDEYXDVJX2HQW7H&hash=item2daf9cd86b:g:nnEAAOSwenplulRV&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1fulZqp8y71eJOJPiHCMyVpDrETF1qdt0X97wa6e%2B7ymNpK%2FWUSEbqfwZzFhAb0iV13eKSMJC%2FD09aHnj8vWyMXTRoLn9sRpf2mLEnSR7ZLQVuTnEVuXucAvX0Ivkx1WodX6fL%2FeQzl1SjN2Se5KJAL0KDdtFCQEbKuEPB%2BZ%2BKz7tdxjzEeILqC2uSM4Ff9BQJbpqfflYCcpY%2Ba%2ByYmJ%2Fv0o8FK28x1QQPPCK2zFqR2qeGyjb9jgrQC1dNgGZZe4J%2FKIK3LJbVikFhOR5lxIR02%7Ctkp%3ABFBMgqvlku9l

I was wondering if there was a cheaper way to fix this, for example if any other kind of pipe can be used/how essential is the non-return? Or if any other pipes from other VAG models will do the job. Still can't get my head around the absurd price for what looks to me like a bit of rubberised hose.

Any help appreciated, thanks all.

Whilst i cannot advise on obtaining a cheaper one I have had just this fault. I successfully repaired the old pipe using silicone tape. It's available in Halfords. Basically it sticks to itself without adhesive and is designed for repairing automotive pipes. Wrap a few turns under tension as if it were electrical tape. Finish off with a cable tie over the tape where te pipes push over something to increase grip.

I did mine two years ago and its still perfect.

This sounds ideal, thanks very much. I'll pick some of that up ASAP and see how it goes! Didn't fancy dropping £70 on a new pipe but wasn't sure how critical it was.

Glad to help. Give the pipe a clean with meths or similar of a rag and check for cracks. Silicone tape really is amazing stuff!