Hose And Clamp Inspection

The proper operation of the cooling system depends on the hoses and clamps being in good condition. Yet, these items are often taken for granted and overlooked. When these oversights occur, roadside emergencies will follow which will lead to low customer satisfaction. These problems can be avoided by proper physical and visual inspection of hoses and clamps.

Hoses should not only be checked by means of a thorough visual inspection, but also by squeezing each hose along its entire length. Look for these problems:

1. Sponginess: If the hose collapses too easily as you feel along its length, it indicates deterioration and that means hose should be replaced.
   Fig 1: Inspecting Hose For Sponginess

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. Bulging or Swelling: If you see this on the hose, it means there has been weakening under pressure, and replacement is again indicated.
   Fig 2: Inspecting Hose For Bulging Or Swelling

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Brittleness: If as you feel and wiggle the hose it has a feeling of brittleness, an immediate replacement is required.
   Fig 3: Inspecting Hose For Brittleness

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Cracking at the Point of Attachment: If seen during your visual inspection, immediate replacement is needed.
   Fig 4: Inspecting Hose For Cracking At The Point Of Attachment

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.