How to Remove a GM Coolant Hose
Radiator hoses are one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance components within any automobile, until they fail. Radiator hoses are made from rubber, which corrodes over time. To compound the problem, the engine's cooling system operates under tremendous pressure. Together, the corrosion and extreme pressure will eventually blow a hole in the radiator, and the engine will overheat. For this reason, radiator hoses should be inspected for cracks and periodically replaced. Thankfully, removing the hoses on a GM vehicle is fairly simple.
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Instructions
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Allow the engine to cool, as the antifreeze within the radiator can easily reach temperatures hot enough to burn skin.
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Remove the radiator cap by twisting the cap in a counterclockwise direction while pressing down.
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Drain the radiator. GM radiators use a single bolt, which acts as a drain plug. The bolt is on the bottom of the engine-side of the radiator. Remove the bolt with a wrench and allow the antifreeze within the radiator to drain. When the radiator is empty, reinstall the drain bolt to prevent loosing it.
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Relieve the tension on the two hose clamps. Both the upper and lower radiator hoses feature a single hose clamp at each end. General Motors has used two styles of hose clamps. The most common style is called the "band" style, as it resembles a Band-Aid. The second type of clamp is called the "pyramid" style, as it resembles a triangle. Both styles use a single screw to adjust the tension on the clamp. Loosen the screw with a screwdriver until the clamp can easily be twisted around the hose.
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Pull the radiator hose off the engine. The upper radiator hose attaches to the thermostat housing, which is on the front of the intake manifold. The lower radiator hose attaches to the bottom of the water pump, which is on the front of the engine.
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Pull the radiator hose off of the radiator. Occasionally the hoses will be difficult to remove due to corrosion. To free a stuck hose, a hose pick is necessary. A hose pick features a long, metal hook. The tip of the hook is inserted between the hose and the fitting that the hose attaches to on the radiator. Twist the pick until the hooked end grasps onto the radiator's metal fitting, then slide the pick around the circumference of the hose to break through the corrosion and pull the hose away from the radiator to remove it.
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