Hey just out of curiosity (b/c I've never really known this answer) What is the normal condition of a radiator hose after driving for a while. In other words I should be able to still squeeze the hose even though its wicked hot right? I ask b/c my upper and lower hoses after driving for about 20 min seem to be VERY full with pressure, so much that I have a hard time squeezing them. They are not swollen or bloated in anyway, jsut very firm. I remember other vehicles I have had and being able to still squeeze the hose even though I had driven it for more then 30 minutes.

Random question I know.

Recent facts:
I just recently replaced
1. all the coolant
2. T-stat
3. t-stat housing
4. water pump
5. drive belt.


thanks in advance for your responses.

 

replaced hoses can be colapsed by hand. factory hoses can have a wire spring inside so they wont collapse.

 

That is normal. The system has pressure in it and will be difficult to squeeze in very much on the lines. When you squeeze it, that fluid has to go somewhere. If it cant go anywhere, it will push back.

 

If u can squeeze a hose after 30 minutes driving, u have a bad rad cap.

 

Ok thanks guys. I have been nervous b/c I've had some cooling issues and have never replaced any of the above stated by myself before. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't a problem.

 

For how cheap they are, if your in doubt I say replace them. Never want to be stranded on the side of the road due to a blowen rad hose.