How often do the brake hoses have to replaced? I 've had 5 years stuck in my head, but I think someone corrected me and told me 8 years.

On rail cars with cushion draft gear that have those intermediate hoses between the brake pipe and the angle cock, are they also subject to periodic replacement? I know I have to replace the end of car hoses regularly but wasn't sure about the other hoses. I couldn't find a date on them like you do the gland hand hoses so wasn't sure the same rules applied.

Greg

You are correct that they all have dates on them and I thought five years was the number also. That does not do you much good to buy them in bulk and have them sit on the shelf in the shop, all the while the clock ticking. I suppose it depends on your operation and whether FRA regulated or subject to other rulemaking bodies. I have seen many perfectly good and serviceable hoses discarded based on date.

Bob Kutella

Eight years was what they taught us at Conrail's car knocker school, in 1999.

Thanks for the answers guys. But since the answers were contradictory, and didn't address both parts of the question, I decided to ask a hose manufacturer also.

Julie Russo, Strato Customer Service, emailed me back and said "The main trainline hose has to be replaced every 8 years. All other hoses have to be replaced every 15 years."

At least one hose on the car I'm working on has a date of 1993 on it, and I'm sure the intermediate hoses are probably at least 15 years, so guess I'll be ordering 4 new hoses.

I'm sure that is cheaper than having a UP car inspector flag the car somewhere and then sending me a bill for installing a new hose or two. :-)

Greg

I agree with the 8 year limit for glad hands, measured from the manufacturing date marked on the hose, per A.A.R. rules. The 5 year remark may allow for 3 years of shelf life. Some hose companies will give credit for the complete old hoses, since the fittings can be reconditioned and reused, and the rubber can be sold to a ballast regulator company.

There are several intervals mentioned in this thread. The eight year figure is correct. However, it applies to how old the hose may be when it is APPLIED to the car. A COTS or repair must use a hose 8 years or newer.
As long as the hose remains servicable, there is no time limit. No one is going around looking for old air hoses. But if the car appears on a RIP track for other reasons, i.e. wheels, then the handling railroad is permitted to inspect for hoses in date (and any other work), and may make the replacements at AAR agreed rates.
That's as I understand the Field Manual, and how my COTS have been performed.

Francis Wong