Lower Radiator Hose

[Peter Ansted - #32760]

As I replace the radiator on my L76, I noticed that the lower hose did not have a coil "skeleton" inside of it. The upper hose has a coil in it. Do I need to have a coil in both hoses ? Thanks Again

[John H.]

Re: Lower Radiator Hose

Peter -

The upper hose doesn't need the spring wire reinforcement, as it's under pressure; the lower hose does, as it's exposed to suction from the water pump inlet. With no reinforcing spring, as the lower hose ages and softens, it will tend to collapse at highway rpm. Lower hoses need the spring; some parts counter guys will tell you the spring isn't necessary, but they're wrong.

[Joe L.]

Re: Lower Radiator Hose

John and Peter-----

Yes, usually GM lower radiator hoses will have the internal spring. That's because they're OEM-quality parts. Quality aftermarket pieces usually do, too. "El-Cheapo" aftermarket often don't have them, though