Date:         Thu, 20 May 2004 10:48:12 -0700
Reply-To:     G Challis <gchallis@CENTUM.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         G Challis <gchallis@CENTUM.COM>
Subject:      Re: Barbed hose clamps (NVC)
In-Reply-To:  <29667365.1085003542416.JavaMail.root@scooter.psp.pas.earthlink.net>
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Thought you'd be amused to hear about the power steering clamp recall on
Mercedes MLs; they are retrofitting them with a stronger hose clamp because
the pipes don't have any barbs and they've had quite a few of them let go.
And if you think coolant spraying is bad, just imagine power steering fluid
inside the engine compartment!  They aren't upgrading the pipe though - too
much expense probably, as it may be integral with the pump.  Instead, they
are warranted for 150,000 mi (probably on the advice of their lawyers!).

Sooo, with ref. to Eric's post, although these statements may be true:

"ANY hose on ANY pipe, under pressure will come off unless it has something
to bite into" and "ANY "good" mechanic will tell you this.  Its not rocket
science, you just have to have been around mechanical things long enough.".

The last statement is definitely NOT true:

" If you simply look at the original equipment on ANY vehicle, no
manufacture, uses just a flat straight pipe.".

I guess even the vaunted Mercedes engineers haven't learned yet!

Graham
90 GL auto Country Homes Camper conversion, getting ready for a Subaru
99 ML320 with stronger P/S/ hose clamps