Air intake hose cracked, and a theory

[eggsalad]

Just like everyone else, my air intake hose cracked. Of course it's a holiday weekend, so I taped the crap out of it until I can get a new one.

But in looking at WHERE it cracked, I'm pretty sure I know WHY.

Technicians and owners check the air filter by taking out the 2 Torx screws and lifting up the lid. That flexes the hose extremely at a specific point, and that's exactly where it failed.

What I believe to be the proper way to check the air filter and prevent (or at least delay) the hose failure would be this:

1. loosen the hose clamp and take the hose off the airbox
2. take out the Torx screws and remove the airbox cover

It's not a solution to the problem, but a procedure that, if followed, will slow down the failure.

 

[Smartdave]

I am sure that does not help the situation but mine cracked at about 50k miles and prior to that I had never checked the airfilter.

I think it has more to do with the air box being mounted to the body and the hose needing to absorb all the engine vibrations and flexing.

 

[Athompson2629]

Mine to. Checked it the other night and it's cracked on all perforated points. I just took duct tape and taped the hell out of it until I can get one. Like $45 on eBay. It's GM part but better quality so they say

2013 Ninja 650
Full Yoshimura RS-4 Exhaust
No tune but want one!

 

[Papasonic]

I agree with the theory about the hose splitting due to air filter inspection; but that wasn't the cause of the failure of our 2012 - 1.8 LTZ hose, as the air filter cover had never been removed, and it was split prior to 40,000 miles.

I believe now that the root cause of the failure is a poor choice of material that cannot withstand the temperature variations found underhood. The newest part # is manufactured of a different composition material that hopefully is more suitable for the application.

 

[eggsalad]

I hate that GM changes part designs without superceding part numbers.

I've ordered a new one from one of the online dealer parts departments, and now I have no idea whether I'll be receiving an original part or the new replacement.

However, I find it interesting that two people who consider themselves enough of a Sonic enthusiast to join a forum would not check their air filters in 40k+ miles!

 

[Papasonic]

I hate that GM changes part designs without superceding part numbers.

I've ordered a new one from one of the online dealer parts departments, and now I have no idea whether I'll be receiving an original part or the new replacement.

However, I find it interesting that two people who consider themselves enough of a Sonic enthusiast to join a forum would not check their air filters in 40k+ miles!

Regarding not inspecting air filters sooner: I don't disagree with you, but experience with previous vehicles, and the conditions we encounter, have demonstrated that our air filters don't get very dirty. When examining the wife's filter while replacing the defective air tubing, I found the filter in excellent serviceable condition. I'm sure others in more dusty/dry climates would need more frequent air filter servicing.

 

[Papasonic]

I hate that GM changes part designs without superceding part numbers.

I've ordered a new one from one of the online dealer parts departments, and now I have no idea whether I'll be receiving an original part or the new replacement.

However, I find it interesting that two people who consider themselves enough of a Sonic enthusiast to join a forum would not check their air filters in 40k+ miles!

Regarding superceding part numbers:
Courtesy of member "rojoes"

Default Modified material for air intake house
Many reports premature cracking and deterioration of factory air intake hose. This part is called an Outlet Duct by General Motors and there is a newer one made of different material.

Originally part was made of NBR/PVC - Nitrile Butadiene Rubber/PVC blend. Part # 95489808.

Replacement material is EPDM rubber Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Part # 94537633

Insist on the 94537633 part number or you can order it here OUTLET DUCT | Genuine GM | 94537633 Genuine GM | 94537633 Price is now $33.56 as of today

 

[eggsalad]

Hey thanks. I somehow was misinformed. I ordered the right #.

 

[mitdr774]

When I took mine off my car years ago it looked fine. I went to put the stock air box back in last year and the air duct that was fine upon removal was cracked after sitting unused for a couple years. It just seems to be a poor material choice that dry rots easily.

 

[boblowes]

I didn't heed the warning when my CEL came on and took it to the dealer. Ended up being billed $263.75 for them to replace the hose. Only 44500 miles. Hope I got the new part! I do have an extended warranty and only paid $100. I removed the new one and sprayed it with two coats of Rubber Spray. Nice and shinny and should last a long time.
Bob

 

[boblowes]

Regarding not inspecting air filters sooner: I don't disagree with you, but experience with previous vehicles, and the conditions we encounter, have demonstrated that our air filters don't get very dirty. When examining the wife's filter while replacing the defective air tubing, I found the filter in excellent serviceable condition. I'm sure others in more dusty/dry climates would need more frequent air filter servicing.

Unless they're changing their oil themselves, the Oil Change folks always check my air filter when I have the oil changed.

 

[spacedout]

The Oil Change folks always check my air filter when I have the oil changed.

Why? Sonic has 45,000 Mile severe service scheduled on the air filter, no way any shop would waste time checking it.


EDIT: I should add the cabin filter is scheduled to be changed every 22,500 miles, so with the mileage i drive I change it every fall. I just change the air filter at the same time, buying both on amazon its under $20. No reason to check the air filter, just like with my cruze its never very dirty.

 

[Papasonic]

Unless they're changing their oil themselves, the Oil Change folks always check my air filter when I have the oil changed.

You are correct; I do all my own service/maintenance on our vehicles. The oil change shops always try to up sell parts and services such as filters, bulbs, wipers, belts, etc. Usually the prices they charge for additional services are quite high, compared to doing it yourself.