Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Collapsed hose- What is it

[DSutton]

On the driver side of the truck if you were looking at the engine stamp, there is a small (Approx1" diam) hose down low that looks like it is sucked flat. I assume it is a vacum hose, but is it? Should it be flat? It is in front of the Power steering pump, and does not have a regular hose clamp on it, it is a pressed on type hose clamp.



I guess I should get a service manual Huh?



Thanks for any help.

 

[CPG]

If your description is right, this is the vacuum line that runs to your booster. The clamp you mention is a constant pressure clamp. Its just possible the hose is too soft to resist the vacuum from the booster making it flat. Also check the check valve at the booster orfice. Hope this is correct.



Chuck

 

[BV]

The vacuum pump is located directly in front of the power steering pump and should have a hose coming off the side. It sounds like you have a collapsed vacuum hose.

 

[Joe G.]

Chuck is right. There is a hose there that goes from the vacuum pump to the brake booster behind the master cylinder. If that is the hose you are looking at it should not be sucked flat. If it is then it needs to be replaced. I think the original clamp is one of those crimped on clamps.

 

[Joe G.]

It's been a while since I worked in that area on my '95. I think that hose is a tapered hose so that the end on the pump is a little larger than the other end. If so, a regular straight hose won't work. Probably have to get it from a Dodge dealer.

 

[illflem]

As others have said it's the vacuum hose. If oil gets in it it will get soft and colapse

 

[DSutton]

What is the effect on the truck. I haven't noticed any "Problems"



I will replace it though.



Illflem, how could it have gotten oil into it? Cuold this indicate any other problems? IS it uncommon?

 

[illflem]

It's common

Your '95 should have had a recall done to prevent oil from getting in the lines. You're in luck if it hasn't had the recall done as they will replace any oil contaminated lines and warrant the whole vacuum system for seven years. Doesn't matter if you aren't the original owner, the recall will cover you. If someone else did have the recall done and you are still within the seven year warranty period you're also in luck.

Oil in the lines can be a real expendsive mess as most of the rubber components aren't compatible with oil and will melt. This includes the cruise servo, brake booster, 4wd axle actuator, the HVAC controls and it lines.

 

[DSutton]

Sounds like I should call the dealer and discuss the matter. I did a check a while ago and they stated that all recalls were in fact done. I did look at the sheet they provided and don't remember seeing anything about the vacumn lines.



I wonder if I should go ahead and pull the line and check if there is actually oil in the line. What do you think??

 

[illflem]

There are some other lines that are easier to pull, might want to start there.

It is the nature of the vacuum to concentrate the oil in the line you describe though.



Here's recall info http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/720.htm



The shaded hose in the diagram is the one I thought you were talking about.



July 40, 1995???

 

[DSutton]

Well as my luck usually runs, my VIN # is not included in the 720 recall that deals with this issue. There is a kit that the dealer will sell for $45. 00 that includes all the parts needed to correct the problem though. And guess what, it is the same kit used to fix the recall trucks!!! Imagine that!!



I went three rounds with the dealer, then called Chrysler directly and guess what, it was a waste of time. Surprise surprise.



Then I went back to the dealer and slipped in the back door and into the shop and talked to the diesel tech. (Also a friend) He said that there are several recalls that miss huge chunks of affected vehicles. He himself had a 95 with the same problems and wasn't recalled. He looked to see if he had a spare kit to give me, but was unable to find one without a special order. which at this point would have raised too many eyebrows given the stink I created.



I reluctantly ordered the kit from this dealer although I hated to spend any $'s with them.



Any further Ideas. This still pi$$es me off!!!