How to Look for Wear or Leaks on Hoses and Clamps in a Chevy Impala

Regularly checking your hoses and clamps for damage will help your Chevy Impala run more efficiently, regardless of your vehicle's model year. Chevrolet recommends you check your hoses and clamps every three months to keep your Impala in top condition. Inspect your Impala's hoses and clamps while the car's engine is cool.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Inspect each hose for cracks, frisions or tiny tears. If a hose is damaged, replace it immediately. You may need to use a cloth to wipe the hoses and clamps free of grease and oil so you can better see their surfaces.

2. Pinch the end of each hose in your Impala to feel for ridges or gaps inside. If you feel pits or ridges, the hose is failing from the inside and needs to be replaced. Always replace the clamps any time you replace a hose in your Chevy Impala.

3. Run your hands across the length of the hoses to make sure they feel firm, not soft or pliable. If your Chevy Impala hoses are not firm to the touch, replace them.

4. Check the ends of the hoses to ensure they're properly seated. Check the clamps at the same time. They should be snug enough to hold the hose in place, but not so tight that they pinch the hose. Adjust the clamps with a screwdriver.

5. Move the Chevy Impala to a fresh location and let it run for several minutes. Check again for any signs of leaking or damage in the hoses and clamps. Also check beneath the Impala for leakage. Make any adjustments you need to stop the leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Your upper and lower radiator hoses run from the radiator to the engine, and from the radiator to your exhaust manifold.
• The coolant hose goes from your radiator to your intake manifold, and may be located on the passenger side of your engine compartment near the exhaust manifold.
• Heater hoses run from your radiator to the back of the engine block, as do the hoses that attach to the intake manifold.

Who Can Help Sponsored