Factory Radiator Hose clamps

[dave1811]

Alright, I know this is a dumb question, but do I need special hose clamp pliers for the below Toyota factory hose clamps? Also, does the little red band at the top stay attached to the clamp or is it there just as a temporary hold to keep the clamp open while it is installed on the hose? I should know the answers to these but it is Monday!



Dave

[LynchburgCSI]

The red guy comes off. It's just keep them from closing. Put them on the car, the take the red thing off. That'll save you the use of pliers/special tools.

Quick search turned up this recent thread. Good read: hose clamps

[dave1811]

Yeah, thanks. I read that prior thread and that is another reason why I went with the Toyota factory ones from one of the sponsors here. Paid like $3.62 per clamp. My return hose was collapsing so I just decided to replace both hoses with new, new clamps, new thermostat, gasket, etc. Not having any other problems with losing any coolant or overheating, just trying to do some preventive maintenance on my son's 99. The factory hoses were cheaper than the ones I saw at Autozone and O'Reilly that were pre molded. Figured couldn't go wrong with the factory ones. Local dealer wanted $33 for the upper hose, parts zone was around $19. Saw that special pliers at Sears for $40 but saw a 90 degree pliers and Harbor Freight that looked like it would do the job four around $7.

Dave

[LynchburgCSI]

You're welcome! Yep, those harbor freight tools are CHEAP. Gotta love 'em (as long as they keep working.) You did buy a OEM Toyota thermostat, right?

[dave1811]

Yep, everything was Toyota original parts. Got the Toyota thermostat and the rubber gasket for it. If you don't need parts today, you save a ton of money by going to some of the Toyota sponsors here versus buying locally. My local dealer wanted almost double on everything I just bought and got today in about 4 days time shipped via UPS. Have a project for this weekend!

Cheers,

Dave

[reluctantmechanic]

I loath these clamps - especially when I break a bolt, and the back of my hand gets cut from them...

[LynchburgCSI]

Great Dave!

reluctant.... right tools for the right job?