How to Look for Wear or Leaks on Hoses and Clamps in a VW Passat

Checking your hoses and clamps for damage and leaks will help your VW Passat more efficiently. Mechanics recommend you check your hoses and clamps once every 3 months. VW Passat radiator hoses differ greatly, even within the same model year. To get the right part, take your old radiator hose with you to purchase a replacement.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find the upper and lower radiator hoses, which go from the radiator to the engine and from the radiator to your exhaust manifold. The coolant hose runs from your radiator to your intake manifold. The heater hoses run from the radiator to the back of the engine block, as do the hoses attached to the intake manifold.

2. Inspect each hose for cracks, frisions or tiny tears. If you find any of these means, replace the hose immediately. Wipe away grease before checking your hoses and clamps so you can easily see the parts.

3. Run your hands down the hoses to make sure the hoses feel firm, not soft or pliable. If the hoses are soft to the touch, replace them to prevent failure.

4. Squeeze each hose at both ends and pay attention to how it feels. If you can feel ridges when you pinch the ends of the hose, that's an indication it's failing from the inside and needs to be replaced.

5. Check the ends of each hose to ensure it's fully connected and not slowly slipping free.

6. Use a screwdriver to snug up the clamps at the end of each hose. Depending on the year of your VW Passat, you'll need a Phillips or flathead screwdriver to do this. Make sure the clamp is snug but not too tight. If you tighten the clamps too much, you can cause a tear or rip in the surface of the hose.

7. Start the car and move it to a location that's dry and clean so you can see if there is any leaking. Let the VW Passat run for approximately five minutes and then inspect the surface below. If you see liquid, you have a leak.

8. Inspect the hoses and clamps again to see if you can determine where the leak is coming from. Use your hands to run down the hose to feel for the source of moisture. Replace that hose and clamp.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your hoses and clamps for wear and tear when your car's engine is cool.
• Whenever you replace any hose in your VW Passat, always replace the clamps that secure it at the same time.
• Inspect the fuel hose in the 1993 VW Passat. It was recalled due to a tendancy to shrink beyond its clamp, which creates a fuel leak. Contact your dealer for more information.

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