Racing car builds are as strong as its internal components. A considerable portion of attention goes into automotive plumbing which is pivotal to a build’s reliability.
Since the internals matter for such builds, so does its hoses and fittings. Now, everytime you are selecting them, you have to be very specific about their combination, more so because it will be very relevant to the kind of application you want them for.
So, what are the options you have? What do you need to know? Let’s have a look!
Hoses and Hose Types
Some of the popular Hose Types you will come across are:
Push-lock Hose
Push-lock Hose is alternatively known as Push-On hose. It needs no clamp for assembly once you pair it with a push-lock fitting. If you are looking for a hose that conducts low-pressure transfer of oils that have gasoline, diesel and ethanol, Push-lock Hose is recommended.
PTFE Hose
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hose contains engineered fluoropolymer. It is used for industry, automotive, chemical and aerospace applications. PTFE hose uses a stainless steel frame, making them last longer than your average rubber or rubber encased hose.
Nylon Braided Lightweight Hose
Nylon Braided Lightweight Hose is used for high-pressure industrial applications. Its superior finish makes it ideal for various industrial applications. It also has an extensive usage life and is preferred for its lightweight build. It is also very compatible with oxidation and temperature variations.
Stainless Steel Braided Hose
A Stainless Steel Braided Hose lasts more than ten years. Normally used for race cars, they are lightweight, flexible and have superior compatibility with fuels, oils and coolants found in racing builds. The stainless steel cover makes it corrosion and abrasion-resistant. This hose can also withstand high temperatures.
AN Hose Type
Depending on the application, the AN hose type will largely vary. Most of these hoses have their inner lining made of either rubber or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The mesh braids are either nylon or stainless steel. The differences in type and materials are mostly in terms of temperature, fluid type, abrasion resistance and pressure.
How to assemble spares such as AN Fittings?
AN fittings and hoses can be assembled easily. There are multiple ways for you to assemble, but these are some of the steps which can be followed as well.
- Load the AN fittings into the bench vice.
- Wrap masking tape to mark the area you want to cut. It also ensures a clean cut and prevents the brand from getting unravelled.
- You can cut using an electrical cable cutter or a sharp chisel.
- After you finish the cutting, you can clean up with side cutters to even out the edges.
- Clamp your fitting socket and insert the hose.
- Twist the hose as you insert it till you see it bottoming out.
- Don’t forget to apply lubricants.
- Tighten the initial thread with your hands and be mindful of the threads.
- Tighten the assembly with AN wrench or any assembly tool.
- Inspect your finished assembly.
Quick Tips while assembling:
- Keep an aluminium jaw.
- Try to keep the cuts clean.
- Use masking tapes since they prevent the braids from unravelling.
- While assembling, make sure the hose bottoms out, after that you can tighten the assembly.
- The hose needs to be pressed down while you are tightening it, else it will keep backing out.
In Essence
Hoses and Fittings are intrinsic to Racing Car builds. Suppose you are looking for a wide range of high-quality Hoses and Fittings, T.I. Performance would be your one-stop-shop for any professional racing car builds.
