Changing Your Coolant Hoses
*MEDIUM*
Replace your hoses every 4-5 years as a preventative measure before they break. An old hose is usually hardened and can become so brittle that it cracks open from engine vibration. A broken radiator hose will immediately immobilize your car. Since hoses usually age at similar rates, and since the coolant must be drained to replace either the upper or lower radiator hoses, they should be changed together to save on labor.
Replace your radiator hose(s) according to the following procedure:
- Park the vehicle on level ground with the engine OFF, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in PARK (for automatic) or REVERSE (for manual). If the engine has been run recently, let it cool. Raise the hood.
- Drain the radiator coolant as described in Changing Your Coolant. Loosen the hose clamps at both ends of the hose using a screwdriver or pliers, depending on the type of clamp. Slide each clamp to the center of the hose.
- To remove the hose, twist it at the engine fitting while pulling on it. The hose end connected to radiator is probably stuck, so do not try to twist or pry it off with a screwdriver; the radiator fitting (neck) could be damaged. Instead, make parallel cuts in the hose at the radiator fitting using a razor blade.
The hose should tear away in pieces. This removal method may be necessary for the hose's engine fitting at times.- Use fine sandpaper or emery cloth to sand the radiator fitting surface smooth and remove any hose residue. Clean the fitting with a wet cloth, dry it, then apply water resistant hose sealing compound to it.
- Slide two new hose clamps over your replacement hose. Use your owner's manual to be certain that the aftermarket part is a suitable replacement and will fit correctly without unnecessary kinks or bends. Never reuse old hose clamps.
- Slide the new hose over the fittings located at the radiator and engine. Use a twisting motion, if necessary, to slide each hose end over the sealing beads. Tighten the clamps squarely and immediately behind the sealing beads; be certain not to tighten the clamp on top of the bead. The hose should extend about 1/4-1/2" behind the clamp.
Do not overtighten screw clamps or the threads will be stripped and clamping pressure will be lost. The radiator fitting could also be distorted.- Refill your cooling system with the same coolant previously drained for this procedure. Refer to Changing Your Coolant. Run your engine and check the hose connections for leaks. Tighten connections if necessary to eliminate leaks. Close the hood.
- The clamps and hose will expand at different rates when heated. Clamps may need some additional tightening so check them again after a few days.
SYSTEMS
COOLANT HOSES
CHECKING YOUR COOLANT HOSES
CORRECT OPERATION