Upper Radiator Hose
As part of your car’s cooling system maintenance, you need to replace a radiator hose that has become damaged to prevent coolant leaks and engine failure. Aradiator hosemay swell, crack, harden or chafe. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune in an automotive shop for this repair job. You can perform this procedure yourself at home following a few simple steps.
Preparing to remove the hose
If you are replacing the upper radiator hose, drain some of thecoolantfrom the radiator. However, if you are replacing the bottom hose, drain it completely. To do this, make sure the engine is cool and place a catch pan under the radiator in the direction of the draining valve. Connect a small hose of the appropriate diameter to the valve and place the other end of the hose in the pan. This way, you won't spill the coolant all over the place when draining the radiator. In addition, if the coolant is still in good condition, you will be able to reuse it. When ready, open the valve, drain the coolant, and close the draining valve when finished.
Removing the radiator hose
Loosen the clamps that secure the hose to the fittings on each end. Grab one end of the radiator hose; twist it back and forth as you pull it off the fitting to disconnect it. Do the same with the other end of the hose and remove it. An easier way to remove the hose is to cut off the hose at each end, being careful not to damage the fittings.
Installing the new hose
Clean both fittings that will connect to the new radiator hose. On corroded, pitted metal fittings, you can use a wire brush to remove the corrosion and apply a non-hardening sealer to the fitting to make a good connection. Place both clamps over the new replacement hose and attach the hose to the fittings. Position the clamps over the fittings to secure the hose in place and tighten the clamps. Once you have installed the new hose, refill the radiator with coolant. If you are using new coolant, make sure to use distilled water in the mixture. Use a 50/50 ratio ofantifreezeand water. Operate your vehicle and check for leaks at both ends of the new hose.
It doesn’t take much time to replace a radiator hose. However, you don’t need special tools for this repair job. You can learn the steps rather quickly and save a lot of money, if you fix the cooling system yourself at home in a Saturday morning.
