How to Repair the Upper Radiator Hose on a 2000 Nissan Altima
- 1). Position a clean drain pan under the passenger's side of the radiator on the ground. Remove the radiator cap from the car and set it aside.
- 2). Remove the drain plug located on the bottom of the radiator with a wrench and drain the coolant down below the level of the upper radiator hose. When the level has dropped far enough to remove the hose without spilling coolant, install the drain plug and tighten it with a wrench.
- 3). Remove the clamp on the upper radiator hose at the radiator with a set of hose clamp pliers. Squeeze the two tabs together with the pliers to loosen the clamp and slide the clamp in about three inches.
- 4). Locate the clamp on the opposite end of the hose, squeeze the tabs together with the hose clamp pliers and slide the clamp in about 3 inches. Pull the hose off the radiator and off the water outlet on the opposite end. Remove the clamps from the hose and install them on the new hose.
- 5). Push the ends of the new hose onto the water outlet at the engine and the radiator connection on the other. Position the hose clamps on the hose ends with your hose clamp pliers.
- 6). Replace the coolant by pouring it into the top of the radiator from the drain pain if it is clean. If it is not, replace it with new coolant. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature, then add coolant until the system is full. The level will drop when the thermostat opens.
- 7). Replace the radiator cap and shut off the engine. Check for leaks on the ends of the hose. Drive the car as you normally would and recheck the coolant level in a couple days.
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