Changed Radiator Hoses and Flushed If I did it again...

[LFalconer]

Hi All, Changed the hoses on my 06 in sig. Top and thermo housing R&R was a breeze, put in 190 replacement stat.

Had no issues with the drain cock on the radiator, just turned slowly until it streamed, took 25 minutes to drain....

Bottom radiator hose is a challenge, removed the 8 screws in the R side fender liner to access the hose, used long handled needle nose to get the constant tension clamp off, easier said than done... Had to cut the hose and use a large screw driver to remove hose from cast iron housing....

Replacement not difficult, used worm drive clamps on the Gates hoses, there is room with a 1/4 in drive deep well 3/8 and 3 inch extension to tighter bottom hose by engine, you have to work around the A/C compressor and lines.

In summary, next time I would remove the wheel and fenderliner, not just fenderliner. I am 6,2 and have long arms, but if I had not been as tall, removing the wheel would have been a have to.

Used Zerex G-05 and Gates hoses, Napa Thermo 190 and gasket, and distilled water for refill. Cost at NAPA with 10% discount was 119 bucks.. I had been quoted $400 at dealer for same job.

Luke

 

[The patriot]

Maybe I should do mine. Theyre original.

 

[AnOldBiker]

I haven't had to do mine yet, but every time I wash the truck, I use a high silicone preservative cleaner and wipe them down.
The last truck I did this to, the hoses lasted about 250k before I changed them. And they looked fine at that time.
Don't know if this is due to the benefit of wiping them with silicone and doing the antifreeze when due or all out pure luck, but it works.