Gates 18286 HVAC Heater Hose - Radiator To Thermostat or Radiator To Throttle Body

Gates Molded Heater Hose 18286 Overview

The Gates 18286 molded heater hose is an OEM-style coolant hose built for tight engine bays and factory-style routing. It is formed to match the application on select Volkswagen Bora and Volkswagen Jetta models, with a small inside diameter and molded shape for accurate fitment.

Made from EPDM, this Gates Molded Heater Hose line is engineered for coolant, water, and air service, and it is also approved for marine applications. The molded construction helps maintain the correct hose path in compact HVAC and cooling system layouts.

Key Features

• Brand: Gates Molded Heater Hose
• Part number: 18286
• EPDM construction for coolant, water, and air applications
• Factory-molded, OEM-style hose shape
• End I.D.: 0.31 in. (8 mm) at both ends
• Centerline length: 20.2 in. (513 mm)
• Molded design for smaller, tighter engine compartments
• Approved for marine applications

Application Details

Compatible with 2005 Volkswagen Bora, radiator to thermostat; 2006 Volkswagen Bora, radiator to throttle body; 2007 Volkswagen Bora, radiator to throttle body, Nov. 30, 2006 & older; 2005-2006 Volkswagen Jetta, radiator to throttle body; and 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, radiator to throttle body, Nov. 30, 2006 & older. This part number 18286 is a direct-fit style molded hose for these Volkswagen cooling system routes.

This part cross-references ACI 86828 and Anchor 10286 for the same application.

What This Hose Helps Address

• Cracked or aged coolant hose material
• Improper hose routing in tight engine compartments
• Coolant leaks at a molded hose section
• Heat-related hose deformation or softening
• Replacement needs for radiator-to-throttle-body or radiator-to-thermostat routing on Volkswagen Bora and Jetta models

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the vehicle year, model, and hose routing before installation, especially on 2007 Volkswagen Bora and 2007 Volkswagen Jetta applications with the Nov. 30, 2006 cutoff note. Compare the original hose shape, end inside diameter, and centerline length to confirm correct routing. Inspect adjoining clamps, fittings, and coolant passages for wear or contamination before installing the new hose.

Quality Assurance

Gates supplies molded coolant hose products in OEM-style configurations for service replacement use. The EPDM construction and factory-molded shape support consistent fitment on the specified Volkswagen applications.