🔧 Kicks - Radiator Hose Replacement

Replacing all radiator hoses on your Kicks means swapping the upper and lower radiator hoses (and typically the small overflow hose, if equipped). This stops leaks, prevents overheating, and restores proper coolant flow and pressure in the cooling system.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never open the radiator cap when hot; coolant can spray and burn.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Coolant is toxic to pets and people; drain into a sealed pan and clean spills.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of the cooling fan; it can turn on unexpectedly.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required, but keep tools away from the positive terminal.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 10-quart)
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Pliers for spring hose clamps
• Hose clamp pliers (specialty)
• Pick tool
• Trim clip removal tool
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 3/8" ratchet
• 3" extension
• Torque wrench (10-80 Nm range)
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Work light

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Upper radiator hose - Qty: 1
• Lower radiator hose - Qty: 1
• Coolant reservoir overflow hose - Qty: 1
• Hose clamps - Qty: 4-6
• Engine coolant (Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant compatible, premixed 50/50) - Qty: 2-3 gallons
• Drain plug gasket or O-ring - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Kicks on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Let the engine cool fully (at least 2-3 hours). The upper hose should feel cool to the touch.
• Set the HVAC to MAX HEAT before you start. This helps coolant flow through the heater core during bleeding.
• Position a drain pan under the radiator drain area before loosening anything.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Raise the front of your Kicks using a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) and support it on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Remove the underbody clips/screws using a trim clip removal tool and Phillips screwdriver.
• Set the splash shield aside so you can access the lower hose and radiator drain.

Step 2: Safely relieve residual pressure

• Place shop towels over the radiator cap.
• Slowly loosen the cap using your hand, then remove it once you’re sure there’s no pressure release.
• If it hisses, stop and let it cool.

Step 3: Drain coolant from the radiator

• Position the drain pan (at least 10-quart) under the radiator drain cock (small plastic drain valve at the bottom of the radiator).
• Open the drain using a flat-blade screwdriver (or by hand if it’s the twist type) and let coolant drain.
• Open the coolant reservoir cap by hand to help it drain faster.
• When finished, close the drain cock snugly by hand. Do not over-tighten plastic parts.

Step 4: Remove the upper radiator hose

• Locate the upper hose (from the radiator upper neck to the engine outlet).
• Slide the clamp back using pliers for spring hose clamps or hose clamp pliers (specialty).
• Break the hose loose by gently twisting it by hand. If stuck, use a pick tool to carefully lift the edge of the hose to let it release.
• Pull the hose off both ends and drain any remaining coolant into the drain pan.
• Don’t pry hard on radiator plastic necks.

Step 5: Remove the lower radiator hose

• Locate the lower hose (from the radiator lower neck to the engine inlet/water pump area).
• Move the hose clamps using hose clamp pliers (specialty) (space is tighter here).
• Twist the hose to break it free, then pull it off. Use the drain pan under the connection; more coolant will spill.
• If a bracket blocks access, remove it using a 10mm socket and 3/8" ratchet, then reinstall it later.

Step 6: Remove the reservoir overflow hose (small hose)

• Find the small hose that runs between the radiator filler neck area and the coolant reservoir.
• Release its clamps using pliers for spring hose clamps or a flat-blade screwdriver if it uses screw clamps.
• Remove the hose and compare it to the new one for length and routing.

Step 7: Install the new hoses and clamps

• Match each new hose to the old hose (shape and bend). Install one at a time to avoid routing mistakes.
• Push the hose fully onto each fitting until it seats against the stop/bead.
• Position clamps behind the raised bead on the fitting, then release/tighten them using pliers for spring hose clamps or a flat-blade screwdriver.
• Make sure hoses are not rubbing sharp edges and are not kinked.
• Clamps should be straight, not angled.

Step 8: Reinstall splash shield

• Reinstall the underbody shield using a trim clip removal tool and Phillips screwdriver.
• Lower the vehicle safely using the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).

Step 9: Refill coolant

• Insert a funnel into the radiator fill neck and slowly add premixed 50/50 coolant.
• Fill the radiator to the top, then fill the reservoir to the MAX line.
• Install the radiator cap by hand.

Step 10: Bleed air from the cooling system

• Start the engine and let it idle with the heater on MAX HEAT.
• Watch the temperature gauge. It should stay normal.
• As the engine warms up, squeeze the upper radiator hose gently (with gloved hand) to help move trapped air.
• Once the radiator fan cycles on and off at least once, shut the engine off and let it cool.
• Top off the reservoir to MAX using the funnel if the level dropped.

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✅ After Repair

• Check for leaks around every hose connection with the engine idling (use a work light).
• Test drive 10-15 minutes, then recheck the reservoir level after it cools and top off if needed.
• Verify the heater blows hot air and the temperature gauge stays normal.
• Dispose of old coolant properly at a recycling center or parts store that accepts it.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $240-$470 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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