How to Replace Lower Radiator Hose – Step by Step Guide

Radiator hoses are made of silicone-based rubber, which gradually wears out with time. Sometimes, you may see, those are leaking or fractured. A leaking hose pipe is very risky as it can burst anytime. On the other hand, the coolant will drain out within this cracked coolant hose. You will face overheating your car engine, which can damage automotive parts badly. Here, we will direct you how to replace lower radiator hose.

Usually, two radiator hoses are used with the car radiator in cooling system. The upper hose provides coolant from vehicle engine to the radiator, and it connects to the thermostat assembly. Simultaneously lower radiator hose provides coolant from the radiator to engine. This whole process keeps your automobiles cool.

Common Symptoms to Replace Lower Radiator Hose

a) Leaking from the lower hose.

b) The lower hose has gotten soft.

c) The hoses are cracked.

d) Coolant level is low.

e) Facing engine overheating frequently.

Importance of Hose Replacement

The car engine should always remain at normal operating temperature for getting better efficiency. If you notice lower hose leaking at clamp or other places, you will face overheating, which is very harmful to vehicle components. So, after identifying the hose pipe leak, replace the hose immediately.

Items Required

1. A good quality Drain Pan

2. Flat head screwdriver

3. Large Pliers

4. Coolant

5. Floor Jack

6. Repair Manual

How to Replace Lower Radiator Hose

Replacing the hoses is very easy. If you do not feel confident enough, you can go through the repair manual before starting the procedure. We will brief you step by step tips regarding how to change hose pipe.

Removal of Lower Radiator Hose

1^st Step

Park your car in flat surface. Then, raise the hood of your automobile as well as check the engine, radiator and hoses are in the cold condition or not. If those are hot, wait till those become cool. You cannot touch them in this condition. When you will find those cool, rotate radiator cap counterclockwise to remove it.

2^nd Step

Place the coolant drain pan under the radiator. Trace the drain nut. Hopefully, you have found it. Now turn it counterclockwise to open and drain out the full coolant.

3^rd Step

Find out lower radiator hose location and trace the clamp at the end of the pipe. The hose clamps secure the hoses to the engine and radiator. Use the screwdriver to lose the clamp. Now by twisting the hose back and forth, you can bring it out from the fittings. If you find the hose too tight, you should use large pliers to make it lose.

Installation of Lower Radiator Hose

In this phase, we will provide a radiator hose installation tricks and tips.

1^st Step

You will notice grease or rust on the hose fittings, wipe those fittings, and adequately clean rust or lubricant.

2^nd Step

Compare the new hose with the old one for ensuring the same model and design to install accurately. Purchase the good radiator hose such as Gates 22437  hose for getting better performnace.

3^rd Step

Slide the hose clamps over the end of the lower hose. Then you should slide the whole assembly over the fittings. Use screwdriver or pliers clockwise to tighten the hose clamps.

4^th Step

If would be best if you refill radiator with the recommended coolant for your SUV, but keep in mind that you must tight the drain nut properly before that. Finally, install the radiator cap. Start the vehicle and allow it to reach an operating temperature, which will allow the system opening the thermostat bulb. Then add antifreeze to go the specified level.

Drive your car to find out any leakage and also monitor the temperature gauge. After that, shut it down as well as allow it cool. Then recheck the coolant level for final confirmation.

Tips

1. If the coolant is clean and of good quality, you can reuse it. During changing always use the better quality like Valvoline Multi-Vehicle 50/50 or Zerex DEX coolant.

2. After setting the hose clamps, if you find it week than before, replace it immediately.

3. Put on your safety glasses before starting the coolant replacement process.

4. Make sure to remove air from your cooling system as trapped air in the cooling system can create hot spots or engine damage.

Don’t Do

1. Never keep coolant here and there as it is poisonous both for human beings and animals. If one takes it, it will be very harmful to them.

2. Don’t start radiator hose replacing just after driving your car. Always allow the vehicle including hoses to cool down before beginning the hose repair job. If you fail to do so, it can result in severe burns.

3. Never leave dripped antifreeze after radiator flushing. It is highly slippery. Anyone can get hurt.

4. Never fill less amount or low-quality antifreeze.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you have understood how to replace lower radiator hose and realized the importance of replacing the hose when it is leaking. Never think to drive your car with a creaked or leaking hose. You only need some basic tools and little bit technical skills to replace new hose. So, do it at your own immediately just after noticing the cracked or leaking lower hose.