VIDEO: Understanding Why Hoses Need To Be Replaced

VIDEO: Understanding Why Hoses Need To Be Replaced

Recognize the conditions that can cause hose failure. This video is sponsored by Continental.

The majority of hoses on a vehicle will fail from the inside out. Most of these failures take tens of thousands of miles and many heat cycles to occur. Recognizing the conditions that can cause a failure and the visual clues is vital in preventing a catastrophic failure. Typically, most hose failures are due to either contaminated fluids or electrochemical degradation.

Like the arteries in your heart, a hose can become hard and brittle. Tiny cracks and striations develop in the inner layers, which eventually cause the hose to split, blister or leak. The leading cause of this type of failure is the quality of the fluid.  Most fluids in a vehicle have additives that prevent oxidation and comprise the pH of the fluid. When any fluid breaks down, the inner liner of the hose is vulnerable to damage. This type of damage can cause the liner to erode and degrade.

Electrochemical degradation occurs when the electrical current on a radiator and cooling system hoses cause damage to the inside of hoses.  Today’s multi-material engines with cast iron, aluminum and plastic can create conditions that set up an electrical current in the coolant. With the different metals, the engine, radiator and heater core act like a battery. As the hose and coolant degrade, the inside surface of the hose becomes a conductor, which causes the layers to erode and weaken. 

SAE has a test designed to test hoses for their resilience to this type of damage. The J1864 test uses a length of hose with a 50/50 coolant mixture and applies 12 volts to the hose with the positive and negative connections on either end. The assembly is then put in an oven for 168 hours. When the test is complete, the hose is cut 45mm from the end, and the damage is measured by counting the cracks. ECD deterioration can sometimes be identified by pinching the hose near each end with your thumb and fingers. If you feel “ridges” or “voids” inside the hose, it needs to be replaced.

This video is sponsored by Continental.

You May Also Like

EV Cooling Systems

The large batteries that EVs carry need to be maintained within a specific temperature range for optimal performance.

Electric vehicles are getting popular, so you need to understand the inner workings of their cooling systems.

Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, EVs rely on a complex cooling system to regulate the temperature of various components, such as the battery, motor, and power electronics. These systems play a crucial role in ensuring optimal performance and extending the lifespan of the vehicle’s components.

What Constitutes A Complete Brake Job?

Complete, safe brake jobs are key. This video is part of the Group Training Academy.

Decoding Brake Pull Issues

Addressing brake pulls requires diagnostic dedication. This video is part of The Group Training Academy.

Understanding Stretch Shrink Belts

Andrew Markel uses an old school toy to describe how these belts work. This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

2 Wheels 2 Ways Ep. 4

Join Patrick and Jacqui as they explore motorcycling and powersports adventure in the Southwest!

Other Posts

ContiConnect Lite to Allow Digital Tire Management for OTR tires

Continental said ContiConnect Lite helps fleet managers monitor the condition of their tires via bluetooth.

Continental Celebrates Expansion in South Carolina

The 90,000-square-foot-building has capacity for 350 employees and is designed and built for future expansion potential.

Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaners

What can you do both for maintenance and for service and diagnostics to confirm a mass airflow sensors functioning properly? Andrew Markel shares the secret in this video sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

Litens Pulleys: You’ll Be Surprised at What’s in the Box

What you get in the box may surprise you. This video is sponsored by Litens.