[roxydog01]

Hello everyone,I need some advice please.
At a recent service on my 2002 jimny(115000k) the mechanic said I may have to replace the radiator
hoses at the next service.

The ones on it are original from factory,dont leak and are in good shape.
(I don't have any spares as yet.)

If I was to replace them,should I stick with the genuine parts or good aftermarket ones like "Gates"?
or go with the silicon ones I see on ebay?

Should they be replaced at all?

What are the pros and cons of silicon?

Any and all help much appreciated,thanks.

[BlueSuzy]

roxydog01 wrote:

Hello everyone,I need some advice please.
At a recent service on my 2002 jimny(115000k) the mechanic said I may have to replace the radiator
hoses at the next service.

The ones on it are original from factory,dont leak and are in good shape.
(I don't have any spares as yet.)

If I was to replace them,should I stick with the genuine parts or good aftermarket ones like "Gates"?
or go with the silicon ones I see on ebay?

Should they be replaced at all?

What are the pros and cons of silicon?

Any and all help much appreciated,thanks.

"may"

Maybe the word for extra labour costs to you for more $ in their pocket. Depending if you trust the mechanic or not.

I'd just bye spares if you're worried. You probably won't need them once you buy them. (its usually how it goes) Any brand will do. Mackay is another brand. Silicone looks fancy, dearer, and not really needed

[ZUZUKI]

If they are the originals, then your mechanic is probably doing the right thing, by suggesting some preventative maintenance.
Hoses can go soft over time (especially if exposed to oil), can go hard over time, can 'bulge' - especially adjacent to the fitting the are attached to.
Ask the mechanic to tell you why they should be replaced & see what the answer is.
The foreman at a large interstate trucking co. used to cut belts & stab hoses when a truck came into their in-house workshop, so that the mechanics were forced to change these items, as a preventive measure.

I have a preference for genuine parts - they always fit right. Check the price of genuine Vs what a Repco or Bursons would sell them for - then you will also has a reference point for what the mechainc would charge (ask for a quote before the work is done)

Silicone hoses came from the crazy turbo guys, when regular intake & intercooler rubber hoses couldn't handle the heat & boost modified engines were producing. The woven nature of silicone hosed is more resistant to stretch.
Complete wank factor for radiator hoses, but if you like the look??

Rgs, Michael

[HarryHoudini]

Modern compounds(as opposed to 1950/60's rubber) used by Gates(etc) last for years,the ones on our Coily are more than 10 years old,i carry a replacement set but as yet haven't needed to use them.
Silicon looks good and is cheap but jury is still out on how long they last.

[shakes]

I had a hose go from 'thats getting a bit soft, better swap that out next time I'm working on the car' to 'I'm changing that now' in the space of a 45minute drive.

Either way, having a spare set stashed somewhere for the above is worthwhile, and if you dont know the history and are travelling. I'd lean on safe than sorry.

[bumstein]

shakes wrote:

having a spare set stashed somewhere for the above is worthwhile

^ this is my ethos. Always!! Even in my brand new Landcruser I bought a set of hoses when I picked it up.