Hello folks
As the title implies my question relates to the radiator hoses. I had one blow today and now I'm looking at options and these steel braided radiator hoses have caught my eye so I'm wondering if anybody one here has used them or knows a bit about them. From what I understand you can bend them to match your existing hoses so that's a win in my book, they are puncture proof and won't balloon either. ee pic below

 

Those are not all that it’s claimed to be.

Underneath the metal wrapping you have just a regular rubber hose. It will still balloon or bulge. It will still degrade over time, etc .

But the metal casing will keep you from seeing the warning signs.

I would never put these on any car I was responsible for. A good quality Jaguar branded hose will last the longest. The URO hoses are not as good, imho.

Z

PS the same applies to braided steel fuel lines.

 

I always buy OEM hoses for all my cars, not worth fooling around with aftermarket. I have original hoses on the car that still look new, from 06. The only hose problem I ever had was caused by hitting the lower radiator hose while fooling around and getting it too close to the power steering pulley..oops, that cost a knuckle busting headache. Replacing that octopus hose that went through the radiator bulkhead to the intercooler radiator was a hard job. I did replace the upper radiator hose when I saw a small cut in it, just to be sure. You do have to have a strong stomach when you see the prices of these hoses.

 

St. Stephen,
I think the Chrome covered Hoses look great! After looking into it a bit farther, they would work just fine but you must bear in mind that they are still rubber....They will need to be replaced as time goes by! Also, the Chrome may not hold=-up over the years....I like them!

Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch