Belts & Hoses
When it comes to automobiles, there are a lot of different moving parts and fluids that are required in order for the vehicle to function properly. Some of these components are rather large, such as the engine and the transmission, while others are much smaller and minor comparatively. Then, there are parts which are small in size, but vitally necessary for the larger components to function. While lacking in size, these components are as essential as the vehicle’s engine itself. A great example of these components is the various belts and hoses that are found throughout the vehicle.
A belt when referring to vehicles is a loop made out of a flexible material (usually rubber) that connects two or more rotating shafts mechanically. This allows motion to be created, which helps to transfer power between the shafts. Conversely, hoses are rubber hoses that a vehicle uses to transfer various fluids throughout the vehicle, which are vital for many different components. The average vehicle contains quite a variety of belts and hoses that are used for the operation of a host of different parts and components. It is important to understand both the difference between these belts and hoses as well as common issues, as many of the belts and hoses can leave your car unmovable on the side of the road should they fail while you are out.
Belts
Serpentine Belt
The most common belt that you will probably have to replace is called a serpentine belt. This belt is found in generally anything newer than a 1990 model. It is a single continuous belt which provides power to multiple engine components such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, the air conditioner, and the air pump.
This belt is vital for the operation of the engine, so it is advised to always be on the lookout for the signs of failure. You can determine the condition by surveying the belt, which is located under the hood in the front of the engine. If the belt begins to look cracked, or if the grooves in the belt become too shallow, it may be a good idea to replace the belt. Sometimes, you may even hear the belt squealing loudly from time to time if it is particularly low in some areas.
Drive Belts
Drive belts, also known as V-belts, are commonly found in older vehicles. They run off a crank pulley, and typically only connect up to two engine components. A vehicle that has many different accessories will have multiple drive belts connecting them, which can clutter up the engine bay a bit. However, the advantage to them is that depending on which one breaks while you are driving, you may still be able to make it to a garage.
While the serpentine belt is one long belt that connects all components, drive belts only power up to two components. If your drive belt that controls the AC and power steering snaps, the vehicle will still be able to drive. Over time, these belts can loosen and begin squealing. A good indicator it may need to be replaced is if it appears cracked, or if tightening it to the proper tension does not stop the squealing.
Timing Belt
Most vehicles have interface engines, meaning the clearance between the moving parts in the engine is so small that if they were to lose timing, they could collide with each other. That’s where the timing belt comes in, which connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, keeping them synchronized. You often will not be able to see your timing belt, as it is covered up.
Some vehicles actually have timing chains, which are designed to last the engine’s entire lifespan. If your vehicle does have a timing belt, you should absolutely not ignore it, as it can lead to some very expensive engine work if it breaks. You should always replace it between 60,000-90,000 miles. If you are able visually to check the timing belt, you should regularly look for any sort of cracking.
Hoses
Fuel Hose
A fuel hose is a hose that transports fuel from the vehicle’s fuel reservoir to the vehicle’s engine. This hose is commonly made from black nitrile and has layers of nylon cord wrapped in between the layers. There are two primary types of fuel hoses; low-pressure hoses, which support systems up to 30 psi, and high-pressure hoses, which support systems from 30 psi up to 100 psi. These hoses are vital for supplying the engine with the fuel it needs to create power. They can be hard to check, as they are commonly tucked away underneath the vehicle. However, if you ever notice a puddle of fuel underneath your vehicle, it may be time to get the fuel hoses checked.
Coolant Hoses
Coolant hoses are responsible for supplying coolant throughout various components. There are two different coolant hoses that your vehicle will have, a heater hose and a radiator hose. These two hoses are composed of the same materials, however vary greatly in their size. The heater hose is the smaller of the two. There are typically two grades, standard and heavy duty, which is stronger and protects from exterior wear and tear.
All heater hoses are lined with nylon cords, which increases their durability considerably. Radiator hoses are much larger than heater hoses comparatively. These hoses are also lined with nylon cord; however, these are molded to shape due to the sheer size of the hose. They can be anywhere from 1-3 inches in diameter and are designed to resist collapsing. However, the hose can collapse while the hot coolant cools off, which creates a vacuum in the radiator.
The most common cause of failure and ruptures from hoses happens from within, so it can be a bit difficult trying to determine potential failures. However, you can inspect if for visible cracking on the exterior. You can also feel the hose with your hand after the engine has cooled off, and feel around where the clamps are. The hose should feel firm yet malleable if there are any particularly soft or mushy spots, it may be a good time to change it.
Hydraulic Hose
There are many different components in a vehicle, which may require a hydraulic hose, namely the power steering and the brakes. Hydraulic hoses are hoses that are specifically designed to handle extremely high pressures of more than 2,000 psi. They typically have specialized compressed fittings, which ensure that the system can continuously handle high pressure. There is braided steel between each layer, which reinforces it to the necessary strength. Due to this, these hoses are typically very stiff and are resistant to bending and flexing. These hoses are very important for maintaining the systems that they are connected to, so you should always be on the look-out for any potential leaks.
AC Hose
The vehicle’s air conditioning system requires its own specialized high-pressure hose. This hose is similar to a standard hydraulic hose; however, it contains braided nylon instead of steel. This provides decent reinforcement, while also allowing the hose to be more flexible than a hydraulic hose. Like a hydraulic hose, an AC hose also has a special compressed fitting that requires specialized tools. There are two primary types of AC hoses: barrier and non-barrier. As they are high-pressure, you should always be on the look-out for any leaking coming from the hose or its fittings.
Vacuum Hose
A vacuum hose is the most basic hose on the list, and is comprised of simply just a rubber hose. These are used by various components to transfer low-pressure non-volatile fluids. These can be made from rubber, PVC, or even silicone. It is commonly used by things like the vacuum, windshield washers, and the radiator overflow. Like most hoses, these can be inspected visibly for cracks and physically for signs of vulnerability.
Kings Ford Quick Lane
In order to avoid any potential failures, you should always keep a watchful eye out for the warning signs. If you happen to notice any of these warning signs, it may be a good idea to bring your vehicle in to get it checked out. If you find yourself in the Cincinnati area, there is no better place to bring your vehicle than Kings Ford. OuOur qualified technicians are capable of diagnosing any issue you may be facing, whether it be with a belt, hose, or something entirely different. When it comes to parts, the quality can really make a difference. Here at Kings Ford, we use only the best parts available for the job. With an expert staff and top-quality equipment, Kings Ford cannot be beaten.