How To: Replace Upper and Lower Radiator Hoses

Radiator hoses connect the top of the radiator to the top of the engine, as well as the bottom of the radiator to the water pump. Radiator hoses are essential to keeping fresh coolant running throughout your vehicle. This not only keeps the engine running at the optimal temperature but also keeps your heating and air conditioning working optimally. Radiator hoses should be firm, but not hard. A hose that feels brittle, spongy or soft should be replaced, even if it’s just one spot on the hose that feels that way. A leaky radiator hose will cause your vehicle to lose coolant, which can cause more serious issues, like overheating. It is difficult to see wear on radiator hoses, so it’s a good idea to replace them every 100,000 miles or so.

Supplies Needed for This Job:
1. Safety Glasses: https://urlzs.com/hbwc
2. Gloves: https://bit.ly/2GvfwAm
3. Drain Pan: http://bit.ly/2GEzWqK
4. Wrench: http://bit.ly/2IUfBzn
5. Flathead Screwdriver: http://bit.ly/2GTfy5c
6. New Hoses: http://bit.ly/2NbiqhI
7. New Clamps: http://bit.ly/305aT7z
8. Coolant: http://bit.ly/2IWlyvD
9. Utility Knife: http://bit.ly/2TEMNOx

0:00 Welcome Back
0:45 Lift the Vehicle
0:54 Remove Splash Shield
1:05 Drain the Coolant
1:46 Detach the Lower Hose
2:42 Install New Lower Hose
4:25 Detach the Upper Hose
5:12 Install New Upper Hose
5:52 Refill the Radiator
6:08 Run the Engine
6:37 Top Off the Reservoir
6:44 Replace Splash Shield

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Transcript:


A radiator hose should be firm, but not hard. So if you find a hose that feels brittle, spongy or soft, it should be replaced. Even if it’s just one spot on the hose that feels that way. Today, I’ll be replacing the radiator hoses on this 2003 Ford Taurus, but procedures will vary from one vehicle to the next, so be sure to know the specifics for your vehicle before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, here’s what you’ll do:

Park on a level surface.
Raise and support the front end of the vehicle. For steps on how to do this safely, check out our video.
Remove the splash shield under the vehicle’s bumper with a flathead screwdriver or trim clip tool to access the radiator hose clamp and lower hose.
Open the hood… and locate the radiator cap.
Be sure to let the system cool before removing the cap. Hot coolant is likely to be under pressure and can cause injury.
Remove the cap and set it aside.
Place the drain pan underneath the radiator, near the passenger side.
See our video on flushing and filling the cooling system [link]… and make sure to use a clean pan if you intend to reuse the coolant.
Locate the petcock… and open it by turning it counterclockwise.
Drain all the coolant into the drain pan.
When it’s completely drained, close the petcock… and carefully remove the drain pan.
Remove the clips from the lower radiator hose and reservoir supply hose with pliers… and remove the radiator lower tube bolt.
It is possible to damage the radiator in the process of removing stubborn hoses, so it’s important to do this very carefully.
One way to make this easier with hoses you’re going to replace is to cut them… like so.
If they’re stubborn, you can also use WD40 to help loosen them.
Slip the hoses carefully off the radiator… and reservoir supply line.
Remove the lower hose from the outlet of the water pump.
Open the power distribution box in your engine bay and remove the cap.
Disconnect the oxygen sensor connector retainer… and harness from the radiator hose.
Remove the radiator upper tube bolt… and disconnect the radiator vent tube.
Now you should be able to remove the radiator hose assembly from the vehicle.

*View full video for complete instructions*