How To: Replace the Radiator Hoses on a Chevy 5.3 Liter V8 Engine (Vortec)
These step-by-step instructions and video detail radiator hose replacement on a 2003 Chevy Avalanche 1500, and will be similar to replacement procedures on 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 Chevy Avalanche and Chevy Suburban 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. The replacement procedures will also be similar for select Chevy Tahoe models from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006, as well as Cadillac Escalade models from 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Replacing damaged or failing radiator hoses helps you maintain a safe and functioning cooling system, and can keep your truck running cool. If you notice your truck’s radiator hoses are dry, splitting, or collapsed, or if you notice a coolant leak, you should repair your radiator hoses as soon as possible to prevent low coolant levels, which can lead to overheating and engine failure. Easily replace worn radiator hoses to keep your truck running cool.
Supplies Needed for This Job:
0:00 Welcome Back
0:38 Prep the Vehicle
0:48 Drain the Coolant
1:07 Access the Hoses
1:33 Remove Upper Hose
1:58 Remove Lower Hose
2:14 Install New Upper Hose
2:39 Install New Lower Hose
2:54 Reinstall Removed Items
3:20 Refill the Coolant
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Your Chevy Avalanche’s radiator hoses are key parts of the cooling system, with an upper and a lower hose. The upper radiator hose carries warm coolant to the radiator to be cooled, while the lower radiator hose connects to the water pump, sending coolant back into the engine to keep your truck running cool. Replacing worn or failing radiator hoses on your 2003 Chevy Avalanche is an easy repair that can help ensure your truck’s cooling system is performing properly. If you need to replace your truck’s radiator hoses, you may see cracked, split, dry, leaking, or collapsed radiator hoses, a lack of coolant movement, or you might notice a coolant leak around the radiator hose clamps. When installing new radiator hoses on your Avalanche, it’s usually recommended that the hose clamps also be inspected, and in most cases, to use new hose clamps to ensure a complete repair. Failing or malfunctioning radiator hoses can result in a coolant leak, which may lead to your truck overheating or can cause engine failure. Our detailed, step-by-step instructions will help you perform a radiator hose replacement on your Chevy Avalanche.
Start by parking on a level surface… letting the vehicle cool… and disconnecting the negative battery cable.
Slowly rotate the surge tank fill cap counterclockwise.
Stop rotating and allow the hissing to stop.
After all hissing stops, continue turning counterclockwise to remove the cap.
Put a drain pan in place… and open the petcock.
Allow the system to drain completely.
Close the radiator petcock.
Loosen the air cleaner outlet duct clamps at the throttle body… and mass airflow/intake air temperature sensor.
Remove the radiator inlet hose clip from the outlet duct.
Then remove the air cleaner outlet duct.
Take off the engine cover by loosening the intake manifold sight shield bolt.
Remove the cover from the cover retainer.
Then remove the cover retainer bolts and the retainer.
Detach the radiator vent inlet hose from the radiator hose clips.
Loosen the inlet hose clamp and remove the inlet hose from the radiator.
Remove the inlet hose clip from the fan shroud… detach the inlet hose clamp from the water outlet… and remove the hose.
Remove the clamps to disconnect the lower radiator hose from the water pump inlet… and radiator outlet.