The application is a 2000 Dodge Durango 4.7L. I'm currently replacing the radiator and thermostat. I've considered replacing the hoses while I have easy access to them. I've looked them over and don't really see anything wrong with them. I believe the current hoses are original Mopar. I like the fitment of original and typically find that aftermarkets don't fit as well. The Mopar dealers show about $60 for the top and the bottom is discontinued. So based on price and availability, I'm wondering if I'll be fine simply keeping and running the original hoses?
When to replace radiator hoses?
- Thread starter GemStater
- Start date
Now is probably the time.
I'd say do it.
A couple of years ago, I had to have the radiator replaced on my 23 year old Ranger.
My long time mechanic (who I trust) thought the original hoses were fine.
I disagreed and had them replaced.
I figured that it was really no additional labor and if the radiator was shot, the hoses probably couldn't be far behind.
I saw it as simply being proactive and eliminating another problem on a part that would probably age out soon.
A couple of years ago, I had to have the radiator replaced on my 23 year old Ranger.
My long time mechanic (who I trust) thought the original hoses were fine.
I disagreed and had them replaced.
I figured that it was really no additional labor and if the radiator was shot, the hoses probably couldn't be far behind.
I saw it as simply being proactive and eliminating another problem on a part that would probably age out soon.
The hoses themselves are fine, but I bet where the clamps pinch them to the radiator nipples are all "indented" and it would be harder to get the clamps to fit again in exactly the right spot. IOW you don't need to do it based on time, do it based on you're disturbing the general area. You can evaluate this when you get it apart; see if the old hoses are still rubbery and pliable at the nipples.
OE hoses are better than aftermarket; I hope the dealer hoses are the same material as OE and not a cheaper rubber.
What kills radiator hoses is getting oil on them (or in them!).
OE hoses are better than aftermarket; I hope the dealer hoses are the same material as OE and not a cheaper rubber.
What kills radiator hoses is getting oil on them (or in them!).
I've asked this question a thousand times and ALWAYS got nothing satisfying.
Some guys said they never change hoses anymore.
I've looked inside modern, in-service hoses and seen + felt swelling and crumbling. That's aging.
After changing the hoses in my sis' 1999 XJ @ ~150k, the installed new ones looked lovely and 'evenly fresh' , if that's a term.
The old ones on the ground were greyed, dried out looking and had crazing.
Life left? sure. Happier with new? U-bet!
Some guys said they never change hoses anymore.
I've looked inside modern, in-service hoses and seen + felt swelling and crumbling. That's aging.
After changing the hoses in my sis' 1999 XJ @ ~150k, the installed new ones looked lovely and 'evenly fresh' , if that's a term.
The old ones on the ground were greyed, dried out looking and had crazing.
Life left? sure. Happier with new? U-bet!
When in doubt, change them out. You won't get too far before overheating on those 26 yr old hoses if one blows. Factor in the added peace of mind that they are now new, with the radiator, and thermostat. I would get new spring clamps also.
Yes, definitely a good idea to replace them with high quality hoses.
Alright, you've talked me into it. Found some Dayco at the Rock on wholesaler closeout for a decent price. I'll report back fitment and observations once I have the new hoses in hand. Thanks everyone.
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Who here also replaces any coolant hose under pressure like the heater hoses, coolant reservoir hose, etc ?
If everything is not leaking, and the hoses are soft and supple, but not mushy, I leave everything alone regardless of miles. But since you're in there, yes replace with new OE hoses if possible. Just trying to get the old hoses to reseal can be difficult for some reason. Try to replace the OE spring clamps with identical OE's while you're at it. The clamps make a lot of difference.
Hoses made in the last 30 or so years are made from an EPDM material. They do not age like old rubber hoses did.
People tend to forget that a heater hose failure will strand you and warp your cylinder head just as fast as a radiator hose failure. So yes.
At the very least I advocate for the lower hose because it's typically the lowest point of the system. The upper hose will often not result in a COMPLETE loss of coolant, esp if you notice steam and shut it off in time (yes, there are other variables, too)
Furthermore the upper hose is easier to inspect regularly, and replace on the road on most vehicles.
I carry heater hose couplers and plugs. Worst case, splice 'em together or cap 'em off and hope it's not winter. I also carry tape to theoretically bandaid an upper hose until the next FLAPS
Furthermore the upper hose is easier to inspect regularly, and replace on the road on most vehicles.
I carry heater hose couplers and plugs. Worst case, splice 'em together or cap 'em off and hope it's not winter. I also carry tape to theoretically bandaid an upper hose until the next FLAPS
My two cents. The mechanic probably doesn't see many vehicles with busted hoses and concluded hoses last a long time. Personally when I was proactive and changed the hoses on my old RAV4 the radiator nipple partially crumbled causing a radiator replacement. One thing leads to another...
Maybe not, but 26 years is still a long time...
I've found that upper radiator hoses will fail first because that's the hot side of the radiator. The bottom is the cold side but it's more likely to get oil on it from leaks.
However, if you would have had to buy a new radiator, does it really make sense to put old hoses on it?
Post #13 + post #17 = you still got to make a call.
And what the heck does "spongy but not mushy" mean, anyway?
And what the heck does "spongy but not mushy" mean, anyway?
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