Gates 26518 Radiator Coolant Hose - Upper

Flexible Heavy-Duty Coolant Hose

Gates 26518 is a flexible radiator coolant hose built for heavy-duty cooling systems where molded hose shapes are not a direct match. It uses EPDM and steel construction with a built-in spiral wire to maintain hose shape and deliver a permanent replacement for many molded hose applications on trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles.

The Gates Flexible Coolant Hose line is engineered to expand coverage across multiple cooling layouts. This Green Stripe Vulco-Flex hose works with Gates straight and curved radiator hoses to help service a wide range of heavy-duty cooling repairs with one flexible hose design.

Key Features

• Part number 26518
• Flexible radiator coolant hose for heavy-duty cooling systems
• EPDM and steel construction for durability in demanding engine bays
• Built-in spiral wire helps the hose hold its shape
• Replaces a variety of molded hose sizes and shapes
• End inside diameters: 2 in. and 2.5 in.
• Centerline length: 20 in. (508 mm)
• Not molded

Detailed Description

Gates 26518 is a radiator coolant hose intended for trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles that need a flexible replacement instead of a formed molded hose. The hose’s EPDM rubber and steel reinforcement support coolant routing in high-demand applications, while the spiral wire construction helps preserve the hose profile during service. For buyers searching for a heavy-duty radiator coolant hose, flexible coolant hose replacement, or Gates 26518 coolant hose for truck and bus cooling systems, this part provides a direct service option where molded hose geometry is not required. It is also a practical choice when sourcing a Gates flexible coolant hose for Ford truck and bus cooling repairs or other heavy-duty vehicle maintenance.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application.

What It Helps Fix

• Cracked or deteriorated radiator coolant hose material
• Cooling system routing where a molded hose is not available
• Fitment challenges caused by unusual hose angles or offsets
• Service delays when searching for a flexible heavy-duty replacement hose
• Cooling leaks from worn truck or bus hose assemblies

Installation Notes

Verify the end inside diameters and centerline length before installation. Match the hose routing to the vehicle’s cooling path and confirm clearance around belts, pulleys, and hot engine components. Use proper coolant-system service practices, inspect adjoining necks and clamps, and replace any damaged mating surfaces before final assembly. For Ford truck and bus applications, confirm the hose shape and dimensions against the original routing before installation.

Quality Assurance

Gates is known for supplying cooling-system components used across heavy-duty vehicle service. Part number 26518 is built as a permanent replacement hose that matches the performance expectations of molded hose service in the applications it is used for.