How to Replace Lower Radiator Hose 98-12 Ford Ranger
Difficulty: Intermediate · About 45 min · Ford Ranger
Replace the lower radiator hose and bleed the cooling system on a 1998-2012 Ford Ranger.
Tools you will need
- Ratchet
- Socket extensions
- 10mm socket
- 19mm wrench
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Drain pan
- Funnel
Parts and supplies
- Lower radiator hose
- Coolant
Steps
- Drain the coolant
Remove the radiator cap, take off the under-radiator cover (four 10mm bolts), then open the drain plug with a 19mm wrench into a catch pan and hand-tighten it once drained.
- Remove the old hose
Slide back the hose clamp nearest the radiator and twist the hose free, letting it drain, then slide back the second clamp and pull the hose off the water pump.
- Fit the new hose
Connect the new hose to the water pump and tighten its clamp, then connect it to the radiator and tighten that clamp too, before refitting the under-radiator cover.
- Refill and bleed the system
Fill the radiator with the correct coolant mix, leave the cap off with a funnel in place, run the engine with the heater on high and the fan on low, watch for air bubbles and top off as the level drops, then once it reaches temperature and stops dropping, reinstall the cap and road test while keeping an eye on the gauge.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.