W-431 · Refroidissement
Radiator Hoses And Clips
Drain first, spring clips versus screw clips, plastic stubs that crack if you lever hard, soap not grease, then a short road check on the clamps.
Before Any Hose Comes Off
Read the cooling precautions first. Soft, split or swollen hose found on a service check gets renewed, not taped. Drain the system into a clean container if the antifreeze is still good enough to put back.
Clips And Removal
Most factory clips are the spring type. Squeeze the tangs with pliers and walk the clip off the stub. They are awkward, they pinch old rubber, and age weakens them, so many cars now wear screw-type (Jubilee) clips instead.
Unclip any loom, cable or second hose tied to the one you are removing. Note the route. Most coolant stubs are plastic: no heavy leverage. Twist the hose end to break the seal; if it still sticks, ease a small screwdriver under the lip only enough to free it.
Fitting The New Hose
Wet the stubs with washing-up liquid or a rubber lubricant. Oil or grease attacks the hose. Slide the clips onto the hose first, push each end fully onto its outlet past the flare, then park the clip behind that flare. Spring clips: squeeze, seat over the flare, release. Screw clips: snug, not crushing. Aim the screw or the tangs where you can reach them next time.
Refill, run the engine, and look for weeps. After a few hundred miles, feel the new clips again.