🔧 CR-V - Radiator Hose Replacement

You’ll be removing the old coolant hose, draining some coolant, then installing a new hose and refilling the system on your CR-V. This restores proper cooling and prevents leaks or overheating.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5–2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🔥 Work only on a completely cool engine to avoid serious burns from hot coolant.
• ⚡ Keep the ignition OFF and remove the key; you do not need to disconnect the battery for this job.
• 🧪 Coolant is toxic; avoid skin/eye contact and keep away from children and pets.
• 🧰 Support the front of your CR-V securely with jack stands if you lift it. Never rely on the jack alone.
• 🌱 Do not dump old coolant on the ground; collect it in a drain pan and dispose of it at a recycling center or workshop.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Ratchet handle 3/8"
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• Short extension 3/8"
• Flathead screwdriver medium
• Pliers standard
• Hose clamp pliers (specialty)
• Utility knife
• Trim clip removal tool (specialty)
• Drain pan 10-liter minimum
• Small funnel
• Clean rags
• Spray bottle with water
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• OBD2 scan tool with live data (specialty)

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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
• Radiator hose clamps (spring or screw type, to match OEM) - Qty: 4
• Honda-approved coolant (Type 2, premixed 50/50) - Qty: 5–6 liters
• Coolant reservoir cap (optional if worn) - Qty: 1
• Radiator cap (optional if rubber seal is cracked) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your CR-V on level ground, engage the parking brake, and put the transmission in Park.
• Let the engine cool for at least 1–2 hours until the upper hose feels completely cold.
• Open the hood using the interior release and hood latch.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• If you plan to replace the lower hose, prepare to lift the front and support with jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Identify which hose(s) you’re changing

• The upper radiator hose runs from the top of the radiator (front) to the top/front of the engine.
• The lower radiator hose runs from the bottom of the radiator down low to the engine/water pump area.
• Decide if you are replacing upper only, lower only, or both. Best to replace both together.

Step 2: Safely lift the front (for lower hose)

• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) on the front center jacking point behind the front bumper.
• Raise the front high enough for access under the radiator.
• Place jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) under the left and right pinch welds or frame points, then slowly lower the vehicle onto them.
• Keep wheel chocks behind the rear tires.

Step 3: Relieve any residual pressure

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Slowly loosen the radiator cap by hand. If you hear hissing, wait until it stops, then remove it fully.
• Also remove the coolant reservoir cap by hand.

Step 4: Position drain pan and plan coolant draining

• Slide the drain pan 10-liter minimum under the radiator drain area (bottom of radiator, passenger side).
• On the CR-V, the radiator drain plug is a small plastic plug; access it from underneath.
• Use a bright light if needed.

Step 5: Drain enough coolant

• Use the flathead screwdriver medium to carefully turn the radiator drain plug counterclockwise a few turns.
• Let coolant flow into the drain pan until the level in the radiator has dropped below the hose you are replacing.
• For upper hose only, you can drain about 2–3 liters. For both hoses, drain most of the coolant.
• Close the drain plug with the flathead screwdriver medium once finished; snug by hand only, do not overtighten.

Step 6: Remove any covers or shields

• If plastic splash shields are blocking access underneath, use the trim clip removal tool (specialty) to pop out the plastic clips.
• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet handle 3/8" to remove any small bolts holding shields in place.
• Set clips and bolts aside in a safe spot.

Step 7: Loosen hose clamps on the old hose

• Most Honda clamps are spring-type. Use hose clamp pliers (specialty) or pliers standard to squeeze the clamp ears together.
• Slide the clamp away from the hose end towards the center of the hose.
• Do this on both ends of the hose you are replacing (upper and/or lower).
• If you have screw-type clamps, use the flathead screwdriver medium to loosen the screws.

Step 8: Break the hose free from its fittings

• Gently twist the hose back and forth by hand to break the “seal” where it meets the radiator or engine pipe.
• If stuck, carefully insert the tip of the flathead screwdriver medium under the edge of the hose and gently pry around the circumference.
• Do not gouge or scratch the metal or plastic nipples.
• If the hose is very stubborn, you can carefully slice it lengthwise using a utility knife and peel it off.

Step 9: Remove the old hose

• Once loose, pull the hose straight off the radiator side first, then off the engine side.
• Some coolant will spill; keep the drain pan 10-liter minimum underneath.
• Set the old hose aside and note its orientation and bend shape.

Step 10: Clean the hose connection surfaces

• Use clean rags to wipe the radiator and engine hose nipples so they are smooth and free of old rubber or corrosion.
• If needed, lightly scrub with the rag until they are clean.
• Clean surfaces help prevent future leaks.

Step 11: Install the new hose

• Compare the new hose to the old one to make sure the shape and length match.
• Slide new hose clamps (or reuse good originals) onto the hose first.
• Push the hose fully onto the radiator nipple by hand until it stops.
• Then push the other end onto the engine-side nipple fully.

Step 12: Position and tighten the hose clamps

• Use hose clamp pliers (specialty) or pliers standard to compress spring clamps and slide them to a position about 5–10 mm from the end of the hose, over the raised bead on the nipple if present.
• Release the pliers so the clamp grips tightly.
• For screw-type clamps, use the flathead screwdriver medium to tighten until snug. Do not overtighten.
• Clamp must be evenly seated all around.

Step 13: Repeat for the second hose (if doing both)

• Follow Steps 7–12 for the other hose (upper or lower).
• Make sure both new hoses are routed the same way as original