When to replace radiator and heater hoses

[Kozg]

Is there a "rule of thumb" when to replace the radiator and heater hoses? They look like their in good condition.

I have a 2000 Camry. Has anyone else replaced their hoses at 90k?

Thanks,

[toyomoho]

None that I know of.

One issue with the radiator is the upper plastic tank can start to crack and leak. These leaks can become larger rapidly. Inspect the upper (and lower) plastic tanks for very small leaks.

Check the hoses for bulging when hot, spongy feel when squeezed. Check the bypass hose that comes off the head coolant outlet and is somewhat buried and hard to see.

If one hose is bad, suggest changing them all as another may soon follow.

If you are changing the hose, suggest changing the spring type hose clamps with screw type.

You should be able to find all the replacement hoses except the ones to the throttle body at auto parts stores. The dealer will have the throttle body hoses.

[FishyMan]

Not sure if this is true or whatever, but I've had cars with 10 years and the small hoses never needed changing. They are very durable, but some heater hoses and radiator hoses need more.

Just visually inspect them, but becareful prying in/out can crack an old radiator. -_-.

ON the clamp, I agree using the newer ones.

[davemac2]

If you really believe in preventative maintenance, then I would say to be vigilant about inspecting your coolant level, the rad and hoses every month or so when the mileage exceeds 120K. The plastic rads usually break around that time.

dave mc

[bronzemaxell]

my 93 camry 4cyl at 279k miles just has hose burst this past summer, i changed my radiator, upper and lower radiator hose, and thought i was good to go. but small coolant hose that goes to the throttle body gave up on me, it burst open a few months later, stranded away from home at night, and the heater hoses are starting to go as well, visibly, i saw the joints were wet. probably the rubber got harden. the scary part was, the engine temp needle went all the way to RED, for about 45 seconds. i wait for engine cool down, and add water, long enough to drive home, and replaced all smaller hoses like coolant bypass hose, heater hoses, throttle body hoses, etc, now it is still going, maybe the cast iron engine and block as more tolerant on heat than the 1mz engine, so far, knock on wood, i haven't seen head gasket leaking oil yet.

[Kozg]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll just wait and replace the hoses at the next timing belt change at 180K, but i'll inspect them regularly.