How to Replace Lower Radiator Hose-Step by Step Clear 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 radiator hose 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 engine 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 radiator hose provides coolant from car 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 engine cool.
Common Symptoms to Replace Lower Radiator Hose
a) Leaking from the lower radiator hose.
b) The lower hose has gotten soft.
c) Radiator hoses are cracked.
d) Coolant level is low.
e) Facing engine overheating frequently.
Importance of Radiator Hose Replacement
The car engine should always remain at normal operating temperature for getting better efficiency. If you notice lower radiator hose leaking at clamp or other places, you will face engine overheating, which is very harmful to car engine components. So, after identifying the radiator hose leak, replace the hose immediately.
Tools or Items Required to Replace Lower Radiator Hose
1. A good quality Drain Pan
2. Flat head screwdriver
3. Large Pliers
4. Coolant
5. Car Jack
6. Repair Manual
How to Replace Lower Radiator Hose
Replacing the radiator hose 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 radiator hose.
Removal of Lower Radiator Hose
1st Step
Park your car in flat surface. Then, raise the hood of your car 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.
2nd Step
Place the coolant drain pan under the radiator. Trace the drain nut under the radiator. Hopefully, you have found it. Now turn it counterclockwise to open and drain out the full coolant of your car radiator.
3rd Step
Find out lower radiator hose location and trace the clamp at the end of the radiator hose. The hose clamps secure the radiator 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.
1st Step
You will notice grease or rust on the hose fittings, wipe those fittings, and adequately clean rust or lubricant.
2nd Step
Compare the new lower radiator hose with the old one for ensuring the same model and design to install accurately.
3rd 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.
4th Step
If would be best if you refill radiator with the recommended coolant for your car, but keep in mind that you must tight the drain nut properly before that. Finally, install the radiator cap. Start the vehicle and allow your car engine 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 engine temperature gauge. After that, shut it down as well as allow it cool. Then recheck the coolant level for final confirmation.
Bits of Advice During Lower Radiator Hose Replacement
1. If the coolant is clean and of good quality, you can reuse it.
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 engine 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 car radiator and hoses to cool down before beginning the radiator hose repair job. If you fail to do so, it can result in severe burns.
3. Never leave dripped antifreeze. It is highly slippery. Anyone can get hurt.
4. Never fill less amount or low-quality antifreeze in your radiator.
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 radiator hose. You only need some basic tools and little bit technical skills to replace radiator hose. So, do it at your own immediately just after noticing the cracked or leaking lower radiator hose.
