These little guys are basically connectors. They’re designed to attach a flexible hose – usually an air brake hose – to a rigid pipe or another fitting. It’s got that barbed outer surface, that’s where the name comes from. The hose actually grips onto those barbs, and then you typically use a clamp to secure it even tighter. They come in different sizes to match the hose and the pipe it’s connecting to. Sometimes they have threads on one end to screw into a component, other times they just push into something. In a vehicle, you’ll find these most often in the air brake system. Think of it like this: the air compressor makes the air pressure, and that pressure needs to get to the brakes to actually stop the vehicle. The hoses carry the air, and the hose barbs are at either end, connecting those hoses to the compressor, the air tanks, the brake chambers… anywhere air needs to move in that system. You’ll also see them sometimes in coolant or fuel lines, but mainly it's air brakes on bigger vehicles. These are pretty critical. If one of these fails, or if it’s not fitted properly, you’re going to have an air leak. That leak reduces the air pressure available to your brakes. It’s a slow leak, maybe, but it can definitely affect stopping power. It acts like a shield preventing the hose from simply popping off under pressure. You’ll notice if you have a bad one because you might hear a hissing sound, or the brakes might feel spongy, or the air compressor will run more often trying to maintain pressure. They’re a small part, but a really important one for safety. You can find a good selection of these over at Fixparts Online, just make sure you get the right size and thread type for your application. Stand out from the crowd: Hose Barb (MPN 8931201644) comes with a 12-month warranty!

About Wabco

WABCO is a global innovator in braking, stability, and suspension systems for commercial vehicles, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Why Choose Wabco?

• Wabco parts are built to last, meaning fewer repairs and more time on the road. • We offer a wide range of parts for many different vehicles – chances are we have what you need. • Our parts meet or exceed industry standards, giving you reliable performance you can trust. • Wabco has a long history of serving professionals and DIYers alike with quality auto parts and excellent customer support. FixParts Online – Your Trusted Source for Quality Wabco Auto Parts.