Over time, the radiator hose on a Dodge Durango must be replaced because the constant heating and cooling cycle of an engine will cause the hose to weaken and dry-rot. If the hose cracks, the Durango will overheat and leave you sitting helplessly on the side of the road. When replacing the upper radiator hose it is important to also change the bottom radiator hose. Although this will cause extra work and time, the end result will be a stronger cooling system that you can depend on to keep that large SUV going down the road.
Remove the pressure clamp that holds the top radiator hose onto the radiator hose. There are two tangs on the clamp that when squeezed together release the clamping pressure on the hose. Slide the clamp further onto the hose and then pull the hose off the radiator intake port.
Locate the other end of the radiator hose and remove the clamp that holds the radiator hose onto the intake tube of the thermostat housing. The clamp works in the same manner as the clamp that secured the hose to the radiator. Pull the hose off the thermostat intake tube.
Place two band clamps onto the new radiator hose. Push one end of the hose onto the intake tube of the thermostat housing and then push the other end of the hose onto the intake port of the radiator. Secure both clamps by turning the cam screw clockwise with a screwdriver.
Drive the Durango onto a set of front-end ramps to allow clearance under the vehicle to drain the radiator. Secure the vehicle by pulling the emergency brake. This keeps the vehicle from backing off the ramps while you are under it.
Locate the petcock, or drain, that is located on the bottom of the radiator. Place a bucket under the petcock and turn the valve counterclockwise. Allow all of the radiator fluid to drain into the bucket.
Remove the clamp that secures the lower radiator hose to the outtake port. The clamp works in the same manner as the clamps used on the upper radiator hose. Pull the radiator hose off the outtake port and allow any excess fluid in the hose to drain into the bucket.
Locate the lower fluid intake on the engine block. The radiator hose connects to it. Remove the clamp that secures it and pull the hose off the intake. Again, the same clamp is used to secure this hose.
Place two band clamps on the new lower radiator hose. Place one end of the hose onto the intake (located on the engine block) and then place the other end of the hose onto the outtake port of the radiator.
Place two band clamps on the new lower radiator hose. Place one end of the hose onto the intake (located on the engine block) and then place the other end of the hose onto the outtake port of the radiator.
Secure both band clamps by turning the cam screw clockwise.
Open the radiator filler cap and drain the bucket of radiator fluid back into the radiator or fill using new radiator fluid.
