Radiator Hose - Lower

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the lower radiator hose on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 L83 engine, including coolant drain and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing originals is not recommended) × 2 — Worm gear style, appropriate diameter

Fluids

• ACDelco DEX-COOL (Orange) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands
4. Remove engine splash shield or skid plate if equipped to access lower hose and drain petcock
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock location (driver side bottom of radiator)

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Slowly remove radiator cap by turning counterclockwise to relieve any residual pressure. Locate the drain petcock on the lower driver side of the radiator. Turn the petcock counterclockwise to open and drain coolant into drain pan. Allow system to drain completely.
2. 2

   Remove lower radiator hose at radiator end
   Locate the lower radiator hose connection at the bottom of the radiator (passenger side). Using hose clamp pliers or flathead screwdriver, move the spring clamp or worm gear clamp away from the radiator connection point. Slide clamp down the hose at least 2 inches from connection. Twist hose gently to break seal, then pull hose off radiator outlet. Be prepared for residual coolant to drain.
3. 3

   Remove lower radiator hose at water pump end
   Follow the lower radiator hose to the water pump connection on the engine block (driver side). Move the clamp away from the water pump inlet connection using hose clamp pliers or screwdriver. Slide clamp down hose. Twist and pull hose off water pump inlet. Remove hose completely from vehicle.
4. 4

   Inspect and clean connection points
   Inspect the radiator outlet and water pump inlet for corrosion, debris, or damage. Clean both connection points thoroughly with wire brush or Scotch-Brite pad to remove any old gasket material, corrosion, or buildup. Wipe clean with shop towel. Inspect for cracks or damage that would prevent proper seal.
5. 5

   Install new lower radiator hose
   Position new hose clamps on new lower radiator hose before installation. Install one clamp near each end, approximately 1 inch from hose ends. Route new hose into position, ensuring proper orientation and no kinks. Push hose firmly onto water pump inlet until it bottoms out against the stop. Push opposite end firmly onto radiator outlet until seated.
6. 6

   Secure hose clamps
   Position clamps so they are centered over the connection beads on both radiator outlet and water pump inlet. Tighten clamps to specification. For spring clamps, ensure they are fully seated in the groove. For worm gear clamps, tighten evenly to specified torque. Verify hose is fully seated and clamps are positioned correctly.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Close drain petcock
   Close the radiator drain petcock by turning clockwise. Tighten to specification hand tight only - do not overtighten as this can crack the plastic petcock. Verify petcock is fully closed and sealed.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Refill cooling system
   Using a funnel, pour DEX-COOL coolant into radiator filler neck. Fill slowly to allow air to escape. Fill to base of radiator neck. Also remove coolant reservoir cap and fill reservoir to the COLD FILL line. Start engine and allow to warm up to operating temperature with radiator cap off. Add coolant as level drops during burping process. Run heater on high to help purge air from system.
9. 9

   Burp cooling system and final fill
   With engine at operating temperature, carefully squeeze upper radiator hose several times to help release air pockets. Add coolant as needed to maintain level at base of radiator neck. Once no more air bubbles appear and coolant level stabilizes, install radiator cap. Turn engine off and allow to cool. Once cool, verify coolant reservoir is at COLD FILL line and top off if needed.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine splash shield or skid plate if removed
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Wipe down any coolant spills in engine bay
4. Dispose of old coolant and hose properly at recycling facility

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks at either hose connection
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify heater produces hot air
• Check coolant level in reservoir after engine cools - should be at COLD FILL line
• Inspect under vehicle for any coolant drips after test drive
• Verify radiator petcock is not leaking
• Monitor coolant level and temperature gauge for next several drives to ensure system is properly filled and sealed

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