Vac pipes need replacing (Where to purchase?)

Jack-the-Bug · 21 June 2007, 15:50

Hi there

The Vac pipes on our 68bug need replacing, (the large ones from Vac tank and solenoid etc.)
Where's the best place to source these either in the UK or mailorder elsewhere etc.

Some of the ones I've looked at as possibles don't seem to have a very strong sidewall and I don't want to
waste time and money on cheap rubbish etc.

Thanks in advance

David

tmea · 21 June 2007, 16:46

David:

I replaced mine recently. You have two options. 1. You can use standard 1/2" vacum hose (used for power brake sevros here in the US). or 2. if you want origional OEM you can go to Bell Metric (link below). They are cloth covered and wire wound. I believe I used the RH12W. Unfortunately, it is expensive (IMO) but works perfectly and looks exceptional. Your choice.

I initially used regular 1/2" vacum hose but found that when it was hot it would collapse somewhat. This situation made it difficult to adjust my system because the air volume in the system would change as the hose would expand and collapse with the use of the system.

Hope this helps.

Tom

http://www.belmetric.com/html/catalog27.htm

dfrommi · 21 June 2007, 22:42

Quote from: tmea on 21 June 2007, 16:46
David:

I initially used regular 1/2" vacum hose but found that when it was hot it would collapse somewhat. This situation made it difficult to adjust my system because the air volume in the system would change as the hose would expand and collapse with the use of the system.

i second that. i just bought some new hose for ours too. he said that the rubbery stuff was what we needed without even asking us what kind of vehicle we had... we put it on and it got a little warm and started to get deformed very fast. it might be worth while to spend a little extra and get the good stuff

Jack-the-Bug · 21 June 2007, 23:35

Thanks for the advice. I thought that ordinary vac hose might not be good enough, so that saves me
wasting time and money on that.
I'll try and source some stuff the same as the belmetric RH12W here in the UK tomorrow.

Cheers guys

Bookwus · 22 June 2007, 02:20

Hiya Jack,

As long as you are going to purchase locally (Bell Metric is a very good option - I'd recommend it also!) head yourself toward a hydraulics shop rather than an automotive supply house. They will have all manner of reinforced hosing that will withstand pressures and vacuums short of a nuclear explosion. All you will need is to explain to the counterman what you are using the hose for and the length and diameter. You'll be good to go.

volkenstein · 22 June 2007, 04:01

Jack,
Mike's suggestion re the hydraulic hose may be a better option for you. A selection of hydraulic hoses do actually have a vacuum rating attached to them. You need something very, very close to 12mm ID. I think Parker-Hannefin list vac ratings and dimensions.

From memory, you could try Street, Style & Power in the UK. They don't (well, last time I looked) sell Belmetric's RH12W, but what you should ask them is whether they have Type 2 (Bus) brake booster hose, and explain you need about 6 feet of it and ask is it re-inforced or not. Their part number from memory appears generic, not specific like Belmetric.

BMW (KA-CHING$$$$) also have a brake booster hose that is comparable. I don't have the part number handy.

I could afford to wait and went with Belmetric.

HTH
Volkenstein

tmea · 22 June 2007, 15:23

David:

One more comment regarding a recommendaiton given to you. I do not recommend hydraulic hose for your vacum system. I have also tried that. The problem with hydraulic hose is that it is too stiff. It is wire reinforced both axialy and lateraly. You can fit it well enough but the problem is that it is so stiff and strong that eventually, it will break off the fittings on either your intake manifold and/or tear off your vacum control valve from its rubber mounts ect...

I'd just go with bel metric or regluar vacum booster line. The best (Bel Metric) is even less stiff than the std vacum line because it is reinforced with wire wound along its axis only.

Tom

Jack-the-Bug · 23 June 2007, 19:50

Thanks again guys for the all the replies.
I am awaiting a reply from belmetric to see if they ship to UK
I will see what SSP can do as well, as I can go and see what they've got before purchasing.

68autobug · 23 July 2007, 11:16

Hi,
Hydraulic hose is made in all different configerations, one fiber/2 fiber
one steel, two steel reinforced... etc...
I also think steel would be too hard to bend etc, plus sealing it with
hose clamps could be difficult...
I used good quality vacuum/oil hose, and haven't had any problems as yet..
but it probably needs replacing now...
especially the ones in the engine compartment that get hot...
anyway, just bend the hose...
any cracks, however small or fine...
and the hose should be replaced..

Lee - 68Autobug - Australia

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug