How to Replace a Leaking Radiator Hose

Co-authored by Duston Maynes

Last Updated: August 16, 2024 Approved

Replacing a leaking radiator hose on your car is fairly easy. All you need are a few basic tools, a basic knowledge of how your vehicle is designed, and some replacement coolant. While you can always tape the gap up to prevent more liquid from leaking out of the hose, you’re best off solving the problem permanently. You can save money on a mechanic and leave yourself with a sense of accomplishment if you learn how to replace a leaking radiator hose.

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Begin by identifying the leaking radiator hose that needs to be replaced. Do this by running the car to operating temperature. ^{[1]
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- Park the car on level ground with the engine running in park and emergency brake set.
- With the car running, visually inspect the hoses for collapse or leaks and do the same thing with the engine off.
Open the petcock on the lower end of the radiator and drain it into a bucket. ^{[2]
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Grab hold of the hose and begin to work it off of the end it is attached to. ^{[3]
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- Remove the hose clamps from the leaking radiator hose.
- If the hose will not slide off easily use a carpet knife to make a slice parallel to the hose from the hose end to just past the nipple it is attached to. Peel the hose from the nipple like an orange.
Push the hose firmly over the stub-out from the radiator and engine seating firmly over the rib that runs around the outer section of the stub-out as far as possible.
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When you turn the engine off the back pressure should reveal any leaks not seen.
- Top off the coolant as needed. ^{[5]
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Community Q&A

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Question

How do I get a hold of the clamp on the bottom of the top hose?

Community Answer

If you can see the nut, you need a very long screw driver or a socket with long extensions. If not, you need to wiggle your hand through the best you can to get at it.

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Question

The hose that connects the radiator to the engine is loose and is leaking. How do I safely reattach it?

Community Answer

Make sure the engine is cool and then tighten the clamps. If that doesn't help, replace the hose and clamps.

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Question

They forgot to put the clamp on the coolant hose and the hose came off, what kind of damage did it cause?

Community Answer

If the car got very hot you could have gotten a blown head gasket or lost all the coolant. If the clamp is back on and the car is not overheating, you're in good shape. If it is overheating, bring it back to the person who forgot the clamp and have them fix it.

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Tips

Clean off the stubs from the engine and radiator to remove any old pieces of hose still stuck on them before installing a new radiator hose

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The two types of clamps are pinch type and screw type. With the pinch type, use a pair of pliers to pinch the two ears on the clamps and slide them back off of the end of the hose. On a screw type, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the ratchet mechanism that tightens or loosens the band on the clamps.

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There will be a top hose running from the radiator to the engine thermostat housing (usually located at the top section of the engine above the water pump). On a rear-wheel-drive car, it will be at the front of the engine. On a front-wheel-drive car, you will find it on the right (or passenger side) of the car. The second radiator hose is located at the bottom of the engine coming off of the water pump running to the bottom of the radiator.

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Warnings

Allow the engine to cool before draining coolant to avoid scalding.

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Do not drain coolant onto the ground, as this is hazardous waste and needs to be disposed of properly. ^{[6]
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Things You'll Need

Flathead screwdriver
Medium-to-large pliers
SAE/Metric combo wrench set
Ratchet socket set
2 gallon (7.6 liter) pan
Box cutter
Paper towels
Petroleum jelly
Funnel
1-2 gallons (3.8-7.6) liters of 50/50 coolant
Specific radiator hose for your car

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How to Replace a Leaking Radiator Hose

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