This procedure covers removal and replacement of the lower radiator hose on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including coolant drain and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing originals are damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
3. Remove engine under cover if equipped using 10mm socket
4. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock location

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Locate the radiator drain petcock on the driver side bottom of the radiator. Slowly turn counterclockwise to open and drain coolant into drain pan. Once coolant flow stops, hand-tighten the petcock clockwise.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access lower radiator hose at radiator end
   The lower radiator hose connects to the bottom driver side of the radiator. Identify the hose clamp securing the hose to the radiator outlet. This is typically a spring clamp or worm-drive clamp.
3. 3

   Remove radiator end hose clamp
   Using hose clamp pliers or flathead screwdriver, compress or loosen the clamp at the radiator connection. Slide the clamp back along the hose away from the radiator fitting at least 2 inches. Note the clamp orientation for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect hose from radiator
   Twist the hose gently while pulling to break the seal and remove it from the radiator outlet. Remaining coolant will drain, so keep the drain pan positioned underneath. Inspect the radiator outlet for damage or corrosion.
5. 5

   Access lower radiator hose at engine end
   Follow the lower hose to the engine block connection point near the water pump on the passenger side of the engine. Locate the hose clamp securing the hose to the engine water inlet pipe.
6. 6

   Remove engine end hose clamp
   Using hose clamp pliers or flathead screwdriver, compress or loosen the clamp at the engine connection. Slide the clamp back along the hose away from the fitting. Note the clamp orientation.
7. 7

   Remove lower radiator hose
   Twist and pull the hose from the engine water inlet pipe. Remove the complete hose from the vehicle. Inspect both connection points on radiator and engine for debris, damage, or old gasket material and clean as necessary with a shop towel.
8. 8

   Install new lower radiator hose at engine end
   Position the new lower radiator hose with the correct orientation (curved end matches routing). Slide a new or reused hose clamp onto the engine end of the hose. Push the hose firmly onto the engine water inlet pipe until it seats completely against the pipe stop.
9. 9

   Secure engine end hose clamp
   Position the hose clamp over the connection area, approximately 1/4 inch from the end of the pipe. Tighten the clamp to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the hose does not rotate or pull off during tightening.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install radiator end of hose
    Route the hose to the radiator outlet, ensuring it follows the original path without kinks or interference. Slide the second hose clamp onto the radiator end. Push the hose firmly onto the radiator outlet until fully seated.
11. 11

    Secure radiator end hose clamp
    Position the hose clamp over the connection area on the radiator outlet. Tighten the clamp to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the hose is fully seated and clamp is positioned correctly.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Refill cooling system
    Remove the radiator cap. Using a funnel, slowly fill the radiator with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) premixed 50/50 until the coolant level reaches the bottom of the filler neck. Also check and fill the coolant reservoir to the FULL line.
13. 13

    Burp cooling system
    Leave the radiator cap off. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature with the heater on maximum. Watch the coolant level and add coolant as the level drops during burping. Run until the thermostat opens and coolant circulates (upper radiator hose becomes hot).
    ⚠Monitor coolant level carefully and do not allow the system to run low. Keep hands and tools away from moving fan and belts.
14. 14

    Complete coolant fill and install cap
    Once the thermostat opens and no more air bubbles emerge, top off the coolant to the proper level. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool for 15 minutes. Recheck coolant level in both radiator and reservoir, topping off as needed. Install the radiator cap securely.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine under cover if removed, torquing fasteners to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft) using the Cover Screws specification
2. Wipe down any spilled coolant from engine and chassis components
3. Dispose of old coolant and hose properly according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature while monitoring for leaks at both hose connections
• Check for visible coolant leaks around the lower radiator hose clamps at both radiator and engine connections
• Verify coolant level remains stable in the reservoir after a complete heat cycle
• After the first drive cycle (50-100 miles), recheck coolant level and inspect hose connections for any seepage
• Confirm no overheating occurs and temperature gauge reads normal operating range

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