Rusted hose clams

If you have hose clams, you must park your Prius under water. Maybe you'll find some pearls!

Tom

 

If they're rusted quite badly, I would be thinking about replacing them. Some day they may fail. What I would do if you do replace them, is buy the ones that tighten using s screwdriver, not the ones you squeeze with a pair of pliers. The screw-down ones can be completely opened up, passed around the hose, then re-threaded and tightened. This way you don't have to remove the hose to get the new clamp on.

 

To add to the screw clamp suggestion, I use clamps that are fully stainless. Most stainless steel hose clamps use less noble screws, which ultimately rust and fail, even though the clamp still looks good. In marine applications we always double clamp with fully stainless clamps. Popping a hose in a boat can make for a really bad day.

Tom

 

If you have more than 100K miles on the car, I suggest replacing the radiator hoses and clamps.

 

At 100K on any car its time to replace belts and hoses. Replace them all including the clamps (check the clams for pearls) and make sure to check all new parts for defects. Buy quality parts - but verify!

 

Many auto parts that get rusted don't have to be replaced, at least not right away. But don't rely on your "Stealership" service department to keep you informed about its condition. Keep any eye on it yourself.

 

rusted clamps are ok.

 

Re: Rusted hose clamps

I have not noticed any rust, are you in a high humidity or ocean area?