3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I have to replace the two heater hoses as soon as they come in and i was wondering if it really matters wheather i use the original spring clamps or the stainless steel worm gear clamps. If the original clamps where do you get them. I know its not the biggest decision but, i know everyone on here is all about original toyota parts.
it doesn't really matter, the original ones will last damn near forever, but they can be a pain to take off, I've replace some of mine with the screw type, but left the originals on the main coolant hoses.
i would order a set new from the dealer. the spring clamps are excellet and last the life of the vehicle. they wont be cheap from the dealer (prob $4 per clamp)
There's a special type of pliers you can get that's made JUST for removing the hose clamps. Well worth it, since they can be a PAIN. Saw eric the car guy use it during a heater core flush. Apparently silcone spray helps them slide off too.
i would order a set new from the dealer. the spring clamps are excellet and last the life of the vehicle. they wont be cheap from the dealer (prob $4 per clamp)
Toyodiy.com is your friend for part numbers... and of course there'd always our site sponsors for parts.
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'07 Honda Ruckus Big Bore TOTALED: '03 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 5.4L, '96 Camry LE 5S May '10: '11 Sienna V6 XLE FWD 8-pass. July '10: '06 Matrix XR Auto FWD Oct. '09: '05 RAV-4 L 4WD
Last edited by LynchburgCSI; 10-13-2010 at 05:06 PM.
I just called my local dealer to see if they had any, and the guy said that the worm gear style actually hold better and that the only reason to use the original clip style is that they are speedier. So stainless steel worm gear is the way I'm going.
The spring clamps are superior IMO, because they keep constant pressure on the hose, and there is no risk of over tightening. If the hose leaks with the spring clamp, then the hose needs to be replaced. The screw type clamps also dig into the rubber. If you do use the screw type clamps, they do make versions that are smooth on the inside so they do not dig into the hose.
The spring clamps are superior IMO, because they keep constant pressure on the hose, and there is no risk of over tightening. If the hose leaks with the spring clamp, then the hose needs to be replaced. The screw type clamps also dig into the rubber. If you do use the screw type clamps, they do make versions that are smooth on the inside so they do not dig into the hose.
I COMPLETELY agree with you. I'd be afraid of digging into the rubber.
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'07 Honda Ruckus Big Bore TOTALED: '03 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 5.4L, '96 Camry LE 5S May '10: '11 Sienna V6 XLE FWD 8-pass. July '10: '06 Matrix XR Auto FWD Oct. '09: '05 RAV-4 L 4WD
if you are stuck with the idea of using the dreaded worm gear clamps, you can use some heat shrink tubing and cut a small section of it and slip it over the hose where the clamp will reside and shrink it down before you install the clamp. this will ensure that the clamp does not bite into the hose and still provides even clamping power
Had to make this decision when I did my radiator recently. Went with the stock spring-clamp style. Figure the 'yota engineers know best and I like that it looks factory.
from my experience, screw/gear type clamp are very easy to put on, and only works good for a while, and need to be periodically re-tighten when the temperature changes due to material expand and shrink with heat, and the radiator side is plastic, can't tighten too much, either break the clam or the plastic hose fitting.
i still prefer the stock hose clamp, it keep a constant pressure on the hose.
Why not reuse the original? If lost/damaged, I like the OE because they work, without guessing "Is it tight enough, or too tight". I've never seen a torque spec given, as for the band clamps used in plumbing. Basically, OE has/is an automatic tensioner. Worth a couple bucks apiece.
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