🔧 Radiator Hose - Replacement

Assumption: this covers the main radiator hose on your Stinger; the general replacement process is the same for the upper or lower hose, but hose routing may vary slightly. You’ll drain enough coolant to remove the hose, swap it with a new one, then refill and bleed the cooling system so the engine does not overheat.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Never open the cooling system when the engine is hot. Pressurized coolant can spray and cause burns.
• Coolant is toxic. Keep it away from kids, pets, and painted surfaces.
• Use jack stands if you raise the vehicle. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Let the engine cool fully before starting.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable only if you need extra clearance near the cooling fan wiring.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Cooling system drain pan
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Hose clamp pliers (specialty)
• Pick tool
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Extension bar
• Funnel
• Jack stands
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Radiator hose - Qty: 1
• Coolant - Qty: 2-3 gallons
• Hose clamps - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely.
• Place a drain pan under the radiator area.
• If the hose is near the cooling fan or tight routing, remove the upper engine cover first if equipped.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Drain coolant to a safe level

• Open the coolant reservoir cap slowly only when the engine is cold.
• Use a drain pan under the radiator drain area and open the drain or remove the lower hose enough to lower the coolant level below the hose you are replacing.
• If you use a clamp tool, squeeze the spring clamp with hose clamp pliers (specialty) and move it back on the hose.
• Work on a cold engine only.

Step 2: Remove the old hose

• Use hose clamp pliers (specialty) or a flat blade screwdriver to release the clamps.
• Twist the hose gently to break it loose, then pull it off the radiator neck and engine fitting.
• If the hose is stuck, use a pick tool very carefully at the hose edge. Do not scratch the metal fitting.

Step 3: Inspect the fittings

• Use a shop towel to clean the radiator neck and engine pipe.
• Check for corrosion, cracks, or leftover rubber from the old hose.
• Replace damaged clamps if they are rusty, weak, or bent.

Step 4: Install the new hose

• Slide the clamps onto the new hose before installing it.
• Push the hose fully onto both fittings until it seats against the stop.
• Position the clamps in the same area as the original setup.
• Use hose clamp pliers (specialty) or a flat blade screwdriver to secure the clamps.
• Make sure the hose is not twisted.

Step 5: Refill the cooling system

• Use a funnel and fill with the correct coolant mix until the reservoir reaches the proper mark.
• If the radiator cap is accessible, fill the radiator slowly first, then top off the reservoir.
• Install the cap securely.
• Torque to 2-3 Nm (18-27 in-lbs) if a cap or fastener on the neck has a specified torque. Do not overtighten plastic parts.

Step 6: Bleed air from the system

• Start the engine and let it idle with the heater set to hot.
• Watch the coolant level and add fluid as the air purges.
• Look for bubbles, leaks, or hose movement.
• When the engine reaches operating temperature, check that the radiator fan cycles on.

Step 7: Recheck for leaks

• Shut the engine off and let it cool.
• Recheck hose clamps, coolant level, and surrounding areas for seepage.
• If needed, tighten the clamp slightly and recheck.

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✅ After Repair

• Drive the car briefly and monitor the temperature gauge.
• Check the coolant level again after the engine cools.
• Inspect the repaired hose over the next few trips for leaks or swelling.
• If the temperature rises above normal, stop driving and recheck the cooling system.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$480 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $175-$340 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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