A rubber-covered hydraulic hose has a cracked cover and tube, but the hose is flexible at room temperature. THE CAUSE: This failure is most likely due to cold temperature reasons. Most hydraulic hoses are rated for -40ºF.

Consider switching to a hose with a lower temperature range. Many military hose styles are rated for -65ºF, and some PTFE styles are approved for -100ºF. Also available for Aeroquip is new MatchMate Ice® hose rated for -70ºF.