Drawing upon decades of experience in polymer science and material analysis, Smithers serves as your trusted partner for comprehensive automotive hose testing and assembly solutions. We are able to effectively address challenging fluid compatibility issues, investigate sudden field failures, and confidently push the envelope of innovation.

Comprehensive Automotive Hose Testing Services

We provide a complete suite of services tailored to meet the rigorous demands of the automotive industry. Smithers can conduct a wide range of standard and custom testing protocols, from single components to full assemblies.

Performance & Durability Testing

  • Pressure, Vibration, & Temperature (PVT) Testing: Simulate actual automotive conditions to evaluate the sealing performance and durability of connectors and assemblies.
  • Dynamic Fatigue & Vibration Testing: Use state-of-the-art electro-dynamic shakers paired with 3D motion technology to test hoses and components under stress and vibrations.
  • Air & Liquid Cycling: Simulate the thermal and mechanical changes that fluid lines undergo throughout their lifespan to mitigate early deterioration.

Material & Fluid Analysis

  • Hose & Material Failure Analysis: Identify the root cause of component failure, whether due to material degradation, manufacturing defects, or external factors.
  • Fluid Compatibility Testing: Confirm the long-term compatibility between your hose materials  and various fluids, including coolants, fuels, and new battery cooling fluids. This is crucial for preventing material degradation and leaks.
  • Servo-Hydraulics & Mechanical Testing: Determine key material properties, including tensile strength and other mechanical attributes, to validate material selection.

Our hose testing experts have years of experience conducting standard testing protocols including OEM approved testing, or designing custom hose testing protocols for automotive hoses, hose connectors and assemblies of all kinds, as well as the materials used in hose construction. Some common types include:

  • Brake lines 
  • Fuel lines
  • Transmission (TOC) hose lines
  • Air conditioning (A/C) hoses
  • Heater hoses
  • Coolant and radiator hoses 
  • Power steering hoses
  • Intercooler hoses
  • Hydraulic hoses
  • Turbocharger hoses
  • Battery cooling hoses

Automotive Product Testing

Our laboratories offer a wide range of capabilities that provide hose manufacturers with great flexibility for evaluating specific performance requirements.
Key capabilities include: 

Other capabilities include:

Common Standards for Automotive Hose Testing

Our experts can work with you to design a custom hose testing program to meet your automotive testing needs. We can also test to a wide range of SAE standards, and government and MIL specifications, including:
  • ASTM D380 – Standard Test Methods for Rubber Hose
  • SAE J1610 – Test Method for Evaluating the Sealing Capability of Hose Connections with a PVT Test Facility
  • SAE J2044 / J2045 – Quick Connect Coupling Specification for Liquid Fuel and Vapor/Emissions Systems
  • SAE 2260 – Nonmetallic Fuel System Tubing with One or More Layers
  • FMVSS 106 – Test methods for brake hose, brake hose assemblies, and brake hose end fittings
  • GMW 14785 – Coolant Joint Pressure Vibration Temperature (PVT) Cycle Test
  • GMW 16153 – Charge Air Cooler Ducts
  • ESDG93-8260-AA – Coolant Hoses and Clamps
  • ESDG93-18B402-AA – Coolant Hose Quick Connector
  • PF-11118 – Engine Coolant Plumbing Assembly
  • PF.9.0080 – Coolant Hoses and Plumbing Assemblies

The Smithers Advantage

As a global leader in material science, Smithers provides a unique combination of technical expertise and a results-oriented approach. Our team of polymer scientists and engineers partners with you to provide actionable insights, not just data. We help you accelerate time-to-market, reduce product failure risks, and build a reputation for unparalleled quality and reliability.

Ready to elevate your product reliability?
Contact us today to discuss your automotive hose testing needs and receive a personalized quote.
 

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Automotive Hose Testing

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