Gates 26491 Intercooler Hose - Pipe to Engine (Cold Side)

Gates 26491 Turbocharger Hose Overview

Gates 26491 is an OE-exact molded turbocharger hose for the cold-side pipe to engine connection. It is built for direct replacement on select Audi and Volkswagen turbocharged applications, including Audi A3, S3, TT, TTS, and Volkswagen Golf, GTI, and Golf R models.

The Gates Turbocharger Hose (Molded - Standard) line focuses on factory-style fit and durable construction for turbocharged intake plumbing. This hose uses a multi-layer design for reinforcement, while the silicone outer cover is made to resist oil, road contaminants, and elevated under-hood temperatures.

Key Features

• OE-exact molded shape for the cold-side turbocharger hose route
• Multi-layer construction for added reinforcement and strength
• Silicone outer cover resists oil and environmental contamination
• Built for high-temperature engine bay conditions
• Inside diameter: 2.3 in / 58 mm and 2.5 in / 64 mm
• Centerline length: 6.85 in / 174 mm
• OE Performance grade

Detailed Description

Part number 26491 is engineered as a molded intercooler hose for the pipe to engine, cold-side location. For turbocharged Audi and Volkswagen platforms, the correct hose shape matters because it helps maintain a secure connection and proper routing in the charge-air system. Gates 26491 follows OE-style dimensions and is specified for 2015-2018 Audi A3, 2015-2018 Audi A3 Quattro, 2015-2018 Audi S3, 2016-2018 Audi TT Quattro, 2016-2018 Audi TTS Quattro, 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf R, 2015-2017 Volkswagen Golf, 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, 2015-2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, 2015-2017 Volkswagen GTI, and 2016 Audi TT.

This part cross-references 5Q0145838 and R25763 for the same application. If you are replacing a worn Audi A3 intercooler hose or a Volkswagen GTI cold-side turbocharger hose, Gates 26491 provides the molded profile and material construction needed for a direct-fit service replacement.

Common Problems This Hose Can Address

• Cracked or split turbocharger hose material
• Oil contamination on the charge-air hose surface
• Heat-related hose deterioration in the engine bay
• Loose or distorted cold-side hose routing
• Boost loss caused by a damaged intercooler hose connection

Installation Notes and Tips

Confirm the vehicle’s cold-side pipe to engine routing before ordering, since this hose is application-specific. Compare the inside diameter and centerline length to the original part, and inspect adjoining clamps, pipes, and sealing surfaces for wear before installation. On turbocharged Audi and Volkswagen models, a proper OE-style molded hose helps preserve factory routing and fitment.

Quality Assurance

Gates builds this hose with multi-layer reinforcement and a high-quality silicone cover for durability in demanding under-hood conditions. The OE-exact design and OE Performance grade support consistent fitment on the listed Audi A3, S3, TT, TTS, and Volkswagen Golf-family applications.