Coolant Hose Replacement

big_dawg74 · May 25, 2011

Just curious how often everyone replaces their coolant hoses, if there is no obvious signs of wear (cracking/swelling/etc.). Getting read to flush my system, and wondered if it would be prudent to replace the hoses. Truck has about 27k on it, and lately it has been parked for awhile. Only drive it about 2 or 3 times a month.

05GMCZ71 · May 25, 2011

Every 10 years or 100,000 miles where I live. (Dry non-humid climate)

700 sportsman · May 25, 2011

I think it would be a bit overkill on you're truck. My '96 was sitting for about 8 years and they hoses are still fine and have no cracks.

05GMCZ71 · May 25, 2011

The outside may look fine but that's no indication of how the inside looks.

txab · May 25, 2011

The outside may look fine but that's no indication of how the inside looks.

+1

Current hose material doesn't show wear and tear on the exterior. When hoses are removed, take a look at the rubber inside

Doug_Scott · May 26, 2011

In the old days, we would squeeze the hose (with rad cap off and engine warm) all the way from end to end. Hose should be more firm than soft, and not have any soft areas, or any hard areas. Generally if you feel a soft area, you will also feel it "broken" inside. This may be more of an experience feel though. It is good for large hoses, not so good for heater hoses.

For peace of mind, I would change the hoses when I changed the coolant, and would use OEM heater hoses ( as opposed to bulk 5/8 inch heater hose), most are formed hoses now.

KMGZ400 · May 26, 2011

the outside of the hoses on my suburban with 157k on it still look great... should i be worried about the inside? orig coolant too.

05GMCZ71 · May 26, 2011

Hell yes you should be worried.

Doug_Scott · May 26, 2011

the outside of the hoses on my suburban with 157k on it still look great... should i be worried about the inside? orig coolant too.

I would be somewhat concerned about the 8 or 9 year old coolant. Maybe time to flush that out, but be prepared to do the water pump soon if you do.

txab · May 26, 2011

the outside of the hoses on my suburban with 157k on it still look great... should i be worried about the inside? orig coolant too.

Not unless you like to be sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow someday.

big_dawg74 · May 27, 2011

The outside may look fine but that's no indication of how the inside looks.

+1

Current hose material doesn't show wear and tear on the exterior. When hoses are removed, take a look at the rubber inside

Other than cracks/swelling, what should I be looking for?

the outside of the hoses on my suburban with 157k on it still look great... should i be worried about the inside? orig coolant too.

Yeah, I would be wanting to dump that old coolant out fairly soon.

CapitalTruck · June 2, 2011

I thought with this EPDM hose material we were supposed to be in the clear. I change my DexCool every two years or so, shouldn't that help keep the hoses in good enough shape? I have 140k on mine now. Every other coolant change I switch out the thermostat just for ha-has. I figure it's cheap, easy insurance to take care of when I already have the coolant drained out. This is pretty interesting from the Gates website (GM's OEM supplier) It gives instructions on how to check the integrity of the hoses, rather specific stuff.

http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure...location_id=541