The Nissan Altima GXE, last produced in 2001, has two radiator hoses that allow coolant to circulate through the engine and the radiator. The hoses are made of rubber and deteriorate over time. If you notice that the hoses are developing a cracked appearance, you should change them to prevent a breakdown. To replace the hoses, you will need to drain the coolant from the radiator and afterward refill the system.
Ensure the engine is cool. Coolant and cooling system components become extremely hot during operation and can cause severe burns.
Place a container underneath the radiator drain plug on the bottom-passenger's side of the radiator. Open the radiator cap to aid in draining. Turn the valve counterclockwise to open it and let the coolant drain completely. Close the valve. Use rags or a pair of pliers to aid in opening a stuck drain plug.
Use a Phillips screwdriver or a 1/4-inch socket wrench to loosen the clamp on the lower radiator hose, where it connects to the radiator on the driver's side. Pull the hose off the radiator using a twisting motion. If the hoses are extremely deteriorated, you may have to cut the hose to remove it from the radiator. Make a slit lengthwise in the hose, starting near the radiator.
Loosen the radiator hose's clamp where it connects to the engine, in the same manner as in Step 3, and remove the hose.
Place a clamp over the hose and connect it to the engine, ensuring it is fully seated. Use a twisting motion to facilitate the process. Tighten the clamp. Place a clamp over the radiator side of the hose and connect it to the radiator. Tighten the clamp.
Loosen the clamp on the upper radiator hose where it attaches to the radiator on the passenger's side. Remove the hose as you did in Step 3. Loosen the clamp on the hose where it attaches to the thermostat housing on the engine. Remove the hose.
Replace the upper radiator hose, attaching it to the thermostat housing and the radiator. Follow the procedure in Step 5 to connect it.
Refill the radiator. If the old coolant is still clean and in good condition, you may re-use it. Otherwise, you should use new coolant.
Start the engine, with the radiator cap still removed. Allow the engine to warm up to normal operating temperature. Running the engine with the cap removed allows air to escape. Replace the radiator cap. Rev the engine to approximately 2,500 rpm for 10 seconds and let it return to idle. Repeat the process several times.
Allow the engine to cool, then open the radiator cap. Ensure the coolant level is still full. If not, add more coolant. Fill the coolant reservoir to the indicated "Max" line. Close the radiator cap and start the engine. Repeat the rev procedure in Step 9.
