How to Replace Lower Radiator Hose in F-150/F-250 Truck

https://ford-trucks.com/how-tos is the leading Ford F-150 and Super Duty truck resource for technical DIY guides. Replace the lower radiator hose in your truck in a few steps. For the full step-by-step article, please visit https://www.ford-trucks.com/how-tos/a/ford-f150-how-to-replace-your-lower-radiator-hose-360076

The lower radiator hose carries a combination of water and antifreeze coolant into the radiator engine which circulates and grabs onto heat. The upper hose circulates coolant that is hot out of the engine into the radiator where it cools down. The hoses are made out of rubber and break down over time. To keep your radiator hoses in good shape, regularly check for swelling, damage, or oil leaks. Here’s how to replace the lower radiator hose.

This moderately difficult job takes less than two hours and costs about $100 dollars to complete. A professional may charge up to $450 dollars for this repair.

This job requires a razor blade knife, screwdriver, pliers, Vaseline, a hammer, a drain pan, distilled water, antifreeze coolant, and a new lower radiator hose.

Step One – Locate the radiator and remove lower hose

Open the hood of the car and locate the radiator near the front of the truck. The lower radiator hose is the hose attached to the bottom of the radiator. Remove the clip using pliers, and move the lower radiator hose in a counter-clockwise direction to remove it.

Step Two – Drain the radiator

Place a drain pan directly underneath the radiator.

Then take off the lower radiator hose clamps.

To drain the radiator, un-tighten the valve by turning it to the left.

Step Three – Install the new hose

Install the new hose in the reserve of how you removed it in Step 1, and secure the clamps.

Step Four – Refill the radiator

Mix 50% water and 50% antifreeze to refill the radiator as well as the overflow reservoir. Some coolants come with half antifreeze and half water. Be sure to read the label so you don’t add more water to it.

Step Five – Start the engine

Leave your coolant cap off and start your engine. As soon as the engine idles, you will hear air bubbles, which means the air is clearing out of the radiator. When you stop hearing air bubbles, check the fluid level and refill if you need to.

Step Six – Test for leaks

Test the pressure of the cooling system and for any leaks. Look around the hoses, under the car, and on the edges of the radiator for any green fluid.