How Can I Stop a Leak That is Coming From a Crimped Ring on a Water Hose?

Crimped rings on hose clamps sometimes damage the radiator hoses to which they are attached. Even if the crimped ring does not damage the hose, it has the potential to cause a leak from that spot because it is not or cannot fasten properly. In order to stop the leak, the clamp should be replaced. The hose itself also should be carefully examined to ensure it has not been damaged. If it has been damaged, it has to be replaced with a new hose.

Instructions

1

Lean under the front-end of the vehicle to see if the radiator drain plug can be accessed. On some makes and models, there may be a trim piece that has to be removed first. If so, use a nut driver to remove the retaining nuts and remove the trim piece.

2

Slide the drip pan underneath the radiator's drain valve. Open the drain valve with the adjustable wrench and allow the coolant to flow into the drip pan. Tighten the drain valve after the radiator has drained completely.

3

Loosen the crimped clamp ring with a screwdriver. Slide the clamp off the spot where it was seated and inspect the hose carefully for damage. Replace the hose if it is cut, dry or cracking. If the hose is undamaged, pull the hose from the radiator and slide the old clamp ring off the end of the hose. Slide a new clamp ring onto the new hose. Slide the hose back onto the radiator and tighten the clamp, using the screwdriver.

4

Loosen both hose clamps (upper and lower) with the screwdriver if the hose is damaged. Remove the old hose and the old clamps.

5

Slide new hose clamps onto each end of the replacement radiator hose. Insert each end of the hose onto the respective radiator ports. Tighten the hose clamps, using the screwdriver.

6

Open the radiator cap by pushing it down and twisting it counterclockwise. Pour the coolant in the drip pan back into the radiator and replace the radiator cap.