2005 Dodge Viper Owner's Manual - Page 189

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 189 WARNING! Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full braking capacity in an emergency. Brake, Power Steering, and Fuel System Hoses When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance, inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are present. Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or collapsed. NOTE: Often, fluids are used during assembly plant operations to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based on leakage. High pressure fuel system hoses have unique material characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deteriorated gasoline. Use only manufacturer specified hoses or their equivalent in material and specification, in any fuel system 7