Water pump hose question

[Mike F]

Hello all-

I recently replaced my LH water pump hose (rubber hose coming off water pump that connects to otterstat pipe). The bracket that it connects to was not in the best shape (nor was the hose it wrapped around for that matter!) so I didn't put it on the new hose, however I didn't think to order a new one when I bought the hose. My question is, is this bracket absolutely necessary, as in don't-drive-the-car-without-it necessary; or can it be something that I put on next time I have to drain the coolant? I tend to always lean toward the "it wouldn't be there if it weren't needed" school of thought and always make a point to not cut corners on this type of stuff. I do plan to replace it, however if it's not a ticking time bomb type situation I would rather not drain the coolant again until the next time I'm in that neighborhood. If nothing else I can fabricate a bracket to hold it in the same fashion until then. Just thought I'd see what the concensus was.

Thanks!

[sdg3205]

I'd imagine it would be okay for a while. It's obviously there to prevent abrasion of the hose on the AC gear. With full operating pressure make sure it's not rubbing anywhere. I'd still replace it when you get a chance.

[David T]

A lot has to do with the shape of the hose and the way it's routed. The belt can cut into the underside of the hose, the bracket holds the hose up and away from the belt. When the hose is full of water and gets hot it can sag and get cut by the belt. I would put the bracket back. In the meantime make sure to check the underside of the hose and you can wrap the hose with some tape.
David Teitelbaum

[Chris 16409]

I made a new bracket out of some aluminum. I was able to bend a flat piece of aluminum into a bracket. It's much sturdier then the original one. I was actually looking for brass (bends easier), but the aluminum worked out nicely.

[Delorean Industries]

This bracket is definitely recommended. Especially if you are running silicone hoses since once heated they seem to sag a bit. You can fab the bracket out of pretty much anything. It is relatively cheap from vendors and offered with hose kits by all of the reputable vendors.

[DMC5180]

The is highly recommended. I had the misfortune of forgetting to reattach mine to the bolt following service work that I needed it out of the way. A year later a discovered the hose had drooped just a little to close the A/C belt (DAYCO MAX version). The Belt had cut a 3/4 wall depth notch into the hose (cord visible). I was lucky to catch it (in my garage) when I did. Who knows when the hose would have failed. Fortunately I just happened to have a pair of EARLY Style Ed Udding (Samco sport Silicone hoses) on the shelf waiting for a good reason to finally get them installed.

[thirdmanj]

This bracket is definitely recommended. Especially if you are running silicone hoses since once heated they seem to sag a bit. You can fab the bracket out of pretty much anything. It is relatively cheap from vendors and offered with hose kits by all of the reputable vendors.

Oh, so you don't have any then. ;)

[DMC5180]

Oh, so you don't have any then. ;)

I guess it's not available from S/W yet.