How to Replace Radiator Hose 97-08 Pontiac Grand Prix

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 50 min · Pontiac Grand Prix

Replace a leaking radiator hose, including moving the belt tensioner out of the way, on a 1997-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix.

Steps

1. Drain the coolant

   Open the petcock under the driver's side of the radiator into a catch pan. If it's seized, carefully loosen the hose clamp instead and ease the hose off to drain it in a controlled way.

2. Move the belt tensioner out of the way

   Use a 15mm wrench on the tensioner to relieve belt tension, slip the serpentine belt off, then unbolt the tensioner itself with a 13mm socket for clearance.

3. Remove the old hose

   Work the hose clamp at the engine end free with pliers and pull the old hose off.

4. Fit the new hose

   Slide the new hose onto the engine and radiator spouts, and secure it with fresh stainless steel band clamps tightened with a screwdriver.

5. Reinstall the tensioner and belt

   Bolt the tensioner back on, then follow the belt routing diagram while using the 15mm wrench to relieve tension and guide the serpentine belt back over all the pulleys.

6. Refill the coolant

   Fill the radiator through a funnel with the correct coolant mixture for the car, then run the engine and top off as needed once air works its way out.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.