How to Change a Lower Radiator Hose

You might need to change a lower radiator hose if it is leaking or if it is "soft." When the hose wears out, as it gets hot, the hose feels very soft -- eventually, it will burst, which is not something you want to deal with on the road. The hose is made of a thick, rubber-type material, and over the years, the heat from the engine and the hot water take their toll on the hose. The hose may be held on with one of three types of clamps.

Things You'll Need

• Drain pan
• Screwdriver (optional)
• Set of sockets (optional)
• Pliers (optional)

Instructions

1. Slide the drain pan under the radiator petcock -- the drain on the bottom of the radiator. Depending on the vehicle year, make and model, it could be on the left or right, and is usually shaped like a wing nut, though some vehicles use bolts. Loosen the petcock and allow the coolant to drain.

2. Loosen the clamps on each end of the radiator hose, using the appropriate tool. You might have a spring-type clamp, for which you'll need pliers to squeeze the clamp open. You might have a screw clamp. There are two different types of screw clamps. Both work the same way, but require either a socket or a screwdriver. Just loosen the screw by turning it counterclockwise to loosen the pressure on the hose.

3. Pull the hose off the radiator and the engine. If the hose doesn't come off easily, use the screwdriver to pry it off.

4. Slide the two hose clamps onto the new hose. Push the hose onto the engine, making sure you push it at least 2 inches on the outlet. Push the other end onto the radiator, completely covering the outlet.

5. Slide one clamp toward the engine, then tighten it with the appropriate tool. Slide the other clamp to the other end of the hose on the radiator, and tighten it with the appropriate tool.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not open the radiator or the petcock while the engine is hot.