While replacing my fuel filter, I noticed the tubing where it connects to the filter was split and there some fuel leakage. On looking to replace this tubing, I was informed it was a dealer only item and would run me $115 for the roughly 6 ft of hose plus an additional $50 for the small 4" hose that connects the pump to the filter (I had to cut this to remove the filter as the bolts were rusted in place)

I'm usually gun ho to make redneck modification that save me a bit of money, but I'm have some reservations on the fuel line. I'm being told by some auto savy friends to simply buy 6 feet of fuel hose from the local hardware store and clamp it down on the fuel filter as a replacement to the astronomical dealer item. They admit that it will dry rot within 1-2 years but it's an easy and cheap fix.

Any thoughts?

dont get it from the local hardware store as this wont meet standards and if your car gets checked it will pro b be condemed on the spot.

the best bet is to go to an auto store, they will have fuel hose cut to length, i did this and i found it was really cheap, about 69p per foot, roughly $1 per foot i think for you i would say.

if you want the hard metal line then you are looking at the dealer, which is what they probably quoted you, the hose is used for joining the pump tank filter assembly etc together to deal with vibrations and expansion which would stress and fatigue the metal pipe.

its not a good idea to run pipe the whole length outside the car, race cars do, but thats re-inforced braided and run inside the car.

its a personal choice of are you willing to cheap out on it and risk personal safety of yourself and family or bite the bullet and pay to have it done properly. i am surprised that a mechanically savvy friend said you could run pipe the whole length without telling you ALL of the risks - imagine going over a pot hole in the road and scrape onto the fuel line?

Matt