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The difference between the DOT rated braided stainless hoses and non-DOT hoses is a plastic sleeve at each fitting that reduces fatigue on the teflon liner when it flexes.
I spoke with the hose company tech rep and he explained the testing procedures to me. They take the hose and clamp one end in a machine and turn it on. The machine whips the hose around randomly very hard, if the hose kinks it does'nt pass the test. The plastic sleeve spreads the load at the fitting (weakest point for kinks) up the hose so it passes the test. I installed some DOT hoses from CSP on my bug, very sweet pieces with a clear plastic cover over the stainless braid. Some people say dirt can get into the stainless braid and wear a hole in the teflon liner, I suppose it is possible.
I have run non-DOT hoses on my minivan for the past 4 years with no problems. The suspension movement does not stress the ends of the hose if it is installed corectly. I do check them for leaks a couple times a year.
ken
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