How long do radiator hoses last?

[Joe H]

In the last 2 years I have had to replace 4 rubber gaiters on various parts. All original to the car (1999 V70) and all split.
I have no problem with that after 270,000 miles and 20 years, just assume the rubber is reaching the eol.

Which made me wonder about the radiator hoses. All look good, no cracks etc - but how long do they last?

Joe

[Cookeh]

How long is a piece of string? Depends on number of heating and cooling cycles, engine temperatures, coolant temperatures, if they are treated (rubber treatment products/gummi fledge etc). Impossible to say.

[ITSv40]

My previous V40 did 370,000mls in 18 years and all the original hoses were still good. A 360GLT I had before that did 270,000mls and again all hoses were original.
I think the real test is if the hose still feels firm to the touch and not deformed it is OK, but if soft and squidgy it needs changing.

[SwissXC90]

Originally Posted by Joe H

Which made me wonder about the radiator hoses. All look good, no cracks etc - but how long do they last?

Expect over 20 years in a moderate climate

Expect much less in a high-temperature, high-humidity climate, or in an extreme cold climate

[Joe H]

It is encouraging that no-one is reporting their hoses started failing at a particular age or mileage so as mine is a mere youth I will keep monitoring and not worry.
Cheers
Joe

[DSK]

My silver 1999 C70 has about 250,000 on it. Used daily still for motorway trips several times a week. Radiator replaced at 150,000 miles - OEM hoses still look and perform perfect.

My grey C70 and S70R also had the rads replaced at around 140/160,000 miles, used daily with the grey one doing 1,000 miles a week. Original hoses look and perform perfect.

I have a gut feeling if you wanted to buy replacement hoses, aftermarket may be best as I have seen some replacement OEM Volvo parts looking very dire for quality (MAF > Turbo pipes for example).

[Bob Meadows]

Also check the hose clips if rusting- they can break if serious & then you have a greater problem.
Bob.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Joe H

In the last 2 years I have had to replace 4 rubber gaiters on various parts. All original to the car (1999 V70) and all split.
I have no problem with that after 270,000 miles and 20 years, just assume the rubber is reaching the eol.

Which made me wonder about the radiator hoses. All look good, no cracks etc - but how long do they last?

Joe

sounds strange but the older the volvo the longer the hoses last .. my 340 hoses are still all original ( 1980 250,000 miles and 1988 60000 miles ) a 140 or 240 could well still have it's original hoses . Fan belts lasted like that too .

[turboboy]

Originally Posted by Bob Meadows

Also check the hose clips if rusting- they can break if serious & then you have a greater problem.
Bob.

When I was running a V40 I read that this was a particular problem with the V40's but mine were not too bad although showing surface rust, unlike those on my other models. The hoses themselves were fine.

The only hose I recollect changing was on a Peugeot/Renault/Volvo V6 engine (can't remember if it was a Renault or one of my 265's), which was not a radiator hose but still part of the cooling system and runs along the top of the engine block between the heads, which I believe is a known problem as it is tucked away where it is subject to heat and oil from engine leaks.

Although none of my Volvos have been anywhere near high mileage (I remember making a note when my 740 reached 200,000 - just run in according to some) they were all fairly old and seemed to have the original hoses fitted but never had any fail.

[Bob Meadows]

I suppose I get a little paranoid now as a radiator hose (bottom ) gave up the ghost because of a rusted through clip- Very fast coolant lose on the middle lane of the M62- Not a Volvo but that makes little difference- head gasket blown leading to having it skimmed plus the cost of associated parts.
From that day on I followed my own procedures relating to a classic car i.e. all stainless hose clips and on two Volvo cars I double clip! Belt & Braces!
Bob.