Mercedes Benz Hoses for a Better Flow

By: Dwyane Thomas

The main purpose of the Mercedes Benz hoses in your vehicle is to see to it that vital fluids keep circulating in the engine parts. Usually, these hoses are made of two rubber layers with a layer of fabric in between. Since they are made of rubbers, they usually deteriorate with age and exposure to heat.

Mercedes Benz hoses generally consist of radiator hose and heater hose (coolant hoses), fuel hose and power steering hose. Each of these has its important role.

The radiator hose provides a flexible connection for coolant flow between the engine and the radiator. There are two kinds of radiator hoses. One is the upper radiator hose and the other one is the lower radiator hose. In order to withstand heat, vibration, pressure, and cooling system chemicals, they are both made typically of reinforced synthetic rubber. Together with the heater hose, they are called as coolant hoses and have the purpose of providing a flexible connection for coolant flow between the engine and the radiator and the engine and the heater core. Ideally, these coolant hoses should be inspected at least twice a year and changed every four years. This is mainly because recent studies show that hoses really begin to break down from the inside out. This process generates fine cracks in the wall of the hose tube and is called electrochemical degradation (ECD). When these fine cracks start to extend from inside the hose tube to the outside, the coolant can then seep through these cracks and attack the hose reinforcement. When this condition is not properly prevented, it will eventually develop into a split, blister or a leak. It is also suggested that you change any hose whenever when you replace a cooling system part that is connected to it.

The power steering hose, on the other hand, connects the power steering pump to the cylinders. This enables your vehicle to turn left and right easily. There are basically two hoses that make up the power steering system. One is the high-pressure hose that is made up of reinforced synthetic compound and has hose fittings that are usually double-flared compression. It carries high-pressure oil from the power steering pump to the steering gear. The low-pressure hose may not use compression fittings because of the lesser amount of pressure that passes through it. It also brings oil from the steering gear back to the pump or its reservoir. Leaks or damages on this hose could result to a loss of power steering assist.

From its name, the fuel hose has the purpose of transporting gasoline from the tank to the engine. The fuel hose is made to withstand gasoline and alcohol, and is reinforced to hold pressure. The reason it needs to be replaced is that the internal flaking of this hose, which releases small pieces of rubber can end up plugging fuel injectors or carburetor circuits.

The worst case scenario when your are not properly maintained? Well, the coolant may leak and the engine may overheat. You may end up stuck in the middle of the road with smoke steaming out from your car's hood. To prevent this, all you need is proper maintenance.

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