Caution: Replacement of air conditioning system hoses should be performed at service stations equipped with the appropriate equipment for draining the system refrigerant. Do not remove any hoses or system components unless the refrigerant has been drained first.
1. High temperatures in the engine compartment have a negative impact on rubber and plastic hoses of various systems. Hoses should be checked periodically for cracks, loose connections, hardened material and signs of fluid leakage. The procedure for preventive inspection of the condition and maintenance of the cooling system hoses is given in subsection 14.
2. Most (but not all) hoses are attached to the connectors using clamps. Inspect the clamps and make sure the connections are tight. If the hose is attached to the coupling without a clamp, make sure it fits securely.
Vacuum hoses
3. As a rule, vacuum hoses are identified by color, especially the exhaust gas control system hoses. Different systems use hoses with appropriate wall thickness, strength and heat resistance. When replacing hoses, check that they comply with the above parameters.
4. Often, to check the condition of the hose, it has to be removed from the car. When removing multiple hoses at once, mark their original positions to avoid confusion during subsequent reassembly.
5. When checking the tightness of the hoses, do not ignore their tees. Make sure there are no signs of cracking of the connector, as well as no deformation of the hose at the seating point, which leads to depressurization.
6. To determine the location of the leak, you can use a small diameter hose (approximately 10 mm) as an auditory tube. Place one end of the hose to your ear and move the other end along the hose and connectors being tested, trying to detect the hissing sound coming from the leak.
Warning: When examining with the ear tube, be careful not to come into contact with moving mechanical components, such as drive belts, the radiator fan of the cooling system, etc.
Fuel system hoses
Warning: Certain precautions must be observed when performing preventive inspection and maintenance on fuel system components. Work in well-ventilated areas and do not allow open flames or unshielded light bulbs in the work area. Avoid contact with gasoline on your skin. Work with rubber gloves. If gasoline gets on your skin, wash it off with running water and soap. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately and store the absorbent cloth where it cannot be ignited. Before acting on the elements, release the pressure in the system (see chapter 4).
7. Check the rubber hoses of the fuel system for signs of wear and tear. Pay special attention to bends and hose connections, such as the fuel filter connections.
8. When replacing, only high quality fuel lines should be installed. Do not, under any circumstances, install vacuum, clear, or coolant hoses in place of fuel lines.
9. Spring clamps are usually used to connect fuel line hoses. Such fastenings lose their elasticity over time or during the removal procedure. When replacing a hose, replace its spring clamps with worm clamps.
Metal tubes
10. The fuel tank is connected to the engine system by a metal fuel line, which runs along the body stiffening elements on the bottom side. When inspecting, make sure there are no kinks or cracks in the fuel line.
11. When replacing metal fuel lines, use only seamless steel tubes, as copper and aluminum tubes cannot withstand normal engine vibration.
12. Inspect the metal brake system pipes at the connection points with the brake master cylinder and brake system hydraulic distributor for cracks or loose connections. A detected fluid leak indicates the need to inspect the entire brake system.