return heater hose replace tips

[cfox]

Just replaced upper and lower radiator hoses 2009 Ranger Sport SOHC 4.0 L 4x4 and the little 90 degree hose that comes off the top of the cheesy thermo housing ( couldn't help the dig there, I'm on my third one 170.000 miles)

The heater hose that returns to the bottom of the water pump looks okay and feels okay but I'm thinkin I need to change it too. Anyone done this and how's the easiest way? Do I need to remove the alternator / serpentine belt tensioner and bracket or just remove the thermo housing. Looks like getti'n on that squeeze clamp is gonna be difficult. I really don't want to pull the thermo housing since it's not leaking. Both radiator hoses were fine, no soft spots or weather checking I only replaced them because, well 170k, and that little 90 deg hose exploded on the interstate. I'm proactive on maintenance and this is the first time the truck has ever left me broke down on the side of the road. Great little Truck.

 

[franklin2]

If the hose feels ok, I would leave it. As you found out, it seems you can't get replacement parts that are the same quality as the factory ones. It's good to be proactive, but putting on inferior parts defeats the theory. Not all rubber parts are created the same.

 

[cfox]

The hose that blew looked and felt okay as well last time I checked it. Granted it was tucked down under the upper radiator hose on top of the thermostat .An area affected by more heat than the return hose to the water pump. I think maybe I can take off the belt and remove that idler pulley to gain enough room to get that upper clamp off. I'll just watch it and change it out when I have to replace that thermostat housing in the future.

 

[Jazzer]

Gates brand hoses seem up to their original quality, in my experience.