A 2004 Ford Explorer uses antifreeze to help cool the engine and keep the SUV operating normally. The coolant system is comprised of several parts, each of which perform a vital function. The heater core supplies hot air through the vents in the SUV's cabin, keeping occupants warm in cold weather, and the radiator chills coolant that has been heated up inside the vehicle's engine. Without antifreeze, the coolant system in an Explorer would not work at all, which is why an antifreeze leak can pose serious problems.
One of the most common causes of antifreeze leaks in an Explorer is worn out hoses. There are several hoses in the SUV that carry antifreeze to and from the engine, radiator, water pump and heater core. These hoses are made of rubber and can wear out over time from constant exposure to heat. The hoses become brittle, causing antifreeze to spurt into the engine compartment. When the engine is cold, you can squeeze the hoses to see if they feel brittle and need to be changed. Sometimes leaks in the Explorer’s hoses can be caused by worn out clamps where the hoses attach to other parts of the vehicle.
The water pump in an Explorer is another common cause of antifreeze leaks. The water pump moves antifreeze between the different parts of the SUV. The seals in the water pump can wear out over time from exposure to hot antifreeze. These failed seals begin to leak antifreeze, making it necessary to replace the entire water pump.
Radiators are located at the front of the vehicle so outside air can help cool down hot antifreeze. The location of the radiator exposes it to damage from rocks and other debris on the road, which can cause holes that leak antifreeze. Radiators are also made up of a few different tanks. As radiators age, the antifreeze located at the bottom can start to corrode the radiator itself. Flushing the radiator regularly should help to avoid this problem; but if the radiator is not flushed, it will develop leaks.
