Step by step guide on how to replace automotive engine heater hoses, this article pertains to most vehicles.
Difficulty Scale: 4 of 10
Tools and Supplies Needed
Begin with the engine cold, in park with the emergency brake set,
drain
the cooling system.
Step 1 - Locate the heater hoses to be replaced and remove or relocate any obstructions.
Step 2 - Some vehicles use a spring loaded hose
clamp which can be removed by using a special hose clamp removal tool, a pair of
pliers can also be used. A worm screw style of clamp will use a screw driver to
remove.
Step 3 - Once the tool has been installed, move
the hose clamp to gain access to the hose mounting fitting. (Note: Heater hoses
are connected to the heater core, this core is fragile so caution should be used
when removing the heater hoses to avoid breaking the core and causing a coolant
leak.)
Step 4 - After the hose clamps have been loosened
and relocated down the hose, use an exacto knife or razor blade to gently slice the hose long ways along the fitting.
Step 5 - Once the heater hose has been cut,
gently lift and twist the hose to release it from the heater core fitting,
repeat this process for the remaining hose.
Step 6 - Next, locate and remove the heater hoses
from the engine which are usually near the engine water pump.
Step 7 - After the hoses have been released from
the heater core and engine, remove any remaining mounting hardware and remove the hoses from
the engine bay.
Step 8 - It can take a little ingenuity to configure
the hoses for removal.
Step 9 - Once the heater hoses have been removed,
use a shop towel to clean the heater hose fittings to help seal the new hose installation.
Step 10 - Compare the worn heater hose set to
the replacement hoses to ensure a proper installation.
Step 11 - After comparing the new hose set, install the hoses into the engine bay.
Step 12 - Once the heater hoses have been placed
into the engine bay, connect the hoses to the engine using new hose clamps.
Step 13 - Next, position the hose clamp over the
middle of the hose fitting and tighten securely, repeat this process for the remaining
hose.
Step 14 - After the hoses are installed and clamps
tightened, inspect for obstructions such as metal shielding that can damage the hose
and relocate to prevent damage to the hose.
Step 15 - Connect the remaining hose ends onto
the heater core fittings using a hose clamp tool to activate the clamp.
Step 16 - It helps to activate the clamp tool before
attaching the hose to the fitting. (Note: Do not use lubricant to aid hose
installation as it may cause it to prematurely fail.)
Step 17 - Once the heater hose connections are
complete,
refill
the cooling system.
Once the job is complete, and the radiator is being refilled, start the engine
and allow to warm up to operating temperature (thermostat open) and top off with
coolant, then reinstall the radiator cap. Once the car has been driven, check for
coolant leaks and recheck the coolant reservoir fluid level. Helpful Information Heater hoses transfer hot engine coolant into the heater core where it's processed
into warm air and utilized by the heater system. Some systems are designed with
a fluid control valve which stops coolant from flowing into the core which should
also be replaced with the hose set. Heater hoses should be inspected for wear
and failures
when inspecting other coolant hoses such as the radiator hoses. Occasionally the heater
core will trap air inside (post repair) the core producing a
bubbling noise
which should dissipate. Best Practices