🔧 Ridgeline - Radiator Hose Replacement

Replacing a radiator hose on your Ridgeline means removing the old hose, transferring/positioning clamps correctly, and refilling/bleeding the cooling system so it doesn’t overheat. The biggest “gotcha” is doing it only when the engine is fully cold and making sure all air is bled out afterward.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Only work on the cooling system with the engine completely cold (hot coolant can cause severe burns).
• ⚠️ Support the truck with jack stands if you lift it—never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep coolant away from pets and kids; it’s toxic and attractive-tasting.
• ⚠️ Clean any spills immediately and dispose of old coolant properly.
• ✅ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Drain pan (at least 10-quart)
• Hose clamp pliers (specialty)
• Channel-lock pliers
• Pick tool set
• Flathead screwdriver
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3" extension
• Funnel
• Shop rags
• Flashlight

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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 - Qty: 2
• Honda Type 2 coolant (premixed) - Qty: 2 gallons

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and install wheel chocks.
• Let the engine cool fully (best: sit overnight).
• Remove the radiator cap only when cold (use shop rags and go slowly).
• If you’re doing the lower hose, plan to raise the front and support it with jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which hose you’re replacing

• Upper hose = runs from the top of the radiator to the engine.
• Lower hose = runs from the bottom of the radiator to the engine.
• Not sure? Replace the one that’s leaking.

Step 2: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Use your hands to pull the cover up at the corners (it’s usually held by grommets).
• Use a flashlight to locate the hose ends and clamps.

Step 3: Relieve pressure and prep for coolant loss

• Place a drain pan (at least 10-quart) under the radiator area.
• Use shop rags and slowly loosen the radiator cap by hand to release any remaining pressure, then remove it.

Step 4: Drain enough coolant to get below the hose level

• Use a flathead screwdriver if needed to open the radiator drain cock (some are hand-turn only; do not force it).
• Drain about 1–2 quarts into the drain pan so coolant won’t pour out when the hose comes off.
• Close the drain cock by hand (snug only). Overtightening can crack it.

Step 5 (Lower hose only): Safely raise and support the front

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) at the proper front jack point.
• Set the vehicle onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Give the truck a gentle push to confirm it’s stable before getting underneath.

Step 6: Move the hose clamps back

• Use hose clamp pliers (specialty) to compress spring clamps and slide them back on the hose.
• If you have screw-type clamps, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen them and slide them back.
• Hose clamp pliers lock clamps open—much easier.

Step 7: Break the hose seal and remove the hose

• Twist the hose by hand to break it loose.
• If it’s stuck, use a pick tool set to gently lift the hose edge to let air in (be careful not to gouge the radiator/engine fitting).
• Pull the hose off and aim it into the drain pan to catch leftover coolant.

Step 8: Prep the fittings and compare parts

• Use shop rags to clean the radiator neck and engine fitting.
• Compare the new hose to the old hose (length, bends, diameter).
• If reusing spring clamps, inspect for rust/weak tension—replace if questionable.

Step 9: Install the new hose and position clamps correctly

• Slide the clamps onto the new hose first.
• Push the hose fully onto each fitting until it seats against the stop/bead.
• Use hose clamp pliers (specialty) to place spring clamps near the end of the hose (behind the bead, not on the very edge).
• If using screw clamps, tighten with a flathead screwdriver until snug (do not crush the plastic radiator neck).

Step 10: Refill with the correct coolant

• Insert a funnel in the radiator fill neck.
• Pour in Honda Type 2 coolant (premixed) slowly.
• Fill the radiator to the top, then fill the overflow reservoir to the MAX line.

Step 11: Bleed air from the cooling system

• Set the cabin heat to HOT and fan to low (this helps move coolant through the heater core).
• Start the engine and let it idle while watching the coolant level at the radiator (use a flashlight).
• As the thermostat opens, the level may drop—add coolant with the funnel as needed.
• If your Ridgeline has a cooling system bleed bolt near the thermostat housing, use a 12mm socket and ratchet to crack it open briefly until coolant flows without bubbles, then snug it closed.
• Don’t rev it—let it warm up gently.

Step 12: Check for leaks and reassemble

• Inspect both hose ends for seepage with a flashlight.
• Reinstall the engine cover by pressing it down by hand.
• If raised, remove jack stands and lower with the floor jack.

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✅ After Repair

• Let the engine reach normal operating temperature and confirm the radiator fans cycle on and off at least once.
• Shut the engine off, let it cool fully, then recheck the radiator level and overflow reservoir level; top off with Honda Type 2 coolant (premixed) if needed.
• Inspect again for leaks after your first short drive.
• If you see overheating, no cabin heat, or repeated low coolant, stop driving and re-bleed/check for leaks.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$550 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $190-$370 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-2.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.