Lower Radiator Hose / Coolant Leak

[randomuser107]

Before a big trip (~2500mi) I replaced a leaky lower radiator hose as well as rusted clamps on my 2011 Jeep Liberty - the coolant reservoir seemed to be holding well both during and after the trip, although now I’ve been noticing the reservoir emptying only a few days after filling it.

Where I used to live, didn’t do much highway driving - max 50mph for a few mins. Now I do 75-85 for over 15-20 minutes at a time and have noticed that my lower radiator hose, which was replaced right before my
long trip, is extremely leaky at the connection to the radiator. I used worm gear hose clamps for these, and have tried to move the hose around a bit and then replace the clamp at the specific leak point (I found it loosened when I initially checked regarding the reservoir emptying), but neither tightening it nor replacing it solved the leaking.

I’m under the impression that this isn’t so much a clamp issue as a hose issue, I know that the constant tension clamps are better, but I’m currently going with what’s easier until I identify what the problem actually is. I just got any compatible lower radiator hose from autozone I could readily find to initially replace it before the trip as I was pressed for time. Could I just have been a crap hose that has now failed on me?


When adjusting the hose with the clamp off, a ton of coolant started pouring rather than dripping, onto the floor for a short period. I did not take the hose off of where it was connected whatsoever.


Any ideas? I love my jeep but I’m getting tired of all these random issues. Would love to put this behind me as fast as possible, praying it’s not a problem with the water pump or something.

 

[LibertyTC]

I don't like worm gear clamps at all for rad hoses. They can & will loosen off & over tightening can cause more issues. I much prefer the OEM clamps.
Hoses should be EPDM quality and the Mopar hoses are by far the best/exact fitting. My lower KJ also contains a spring to prevent collapsing.
Mopar thermostat would be a good idea as well. Hoat or Zerex G-05 coolant only to be used in our Jeeps.
Replace the hose & thermostat, & inspect closely for damage /cracks at rad outlet fitting.

 

[randomuser107]

I don't like worm gear clamps at all for rad hoses. They can & will loosen off & over tightening can cause more issues. I much prefer the OEM clamps.
Hoses should be EPDM quality and the Mopar hoses are by far the best/exact fitting. My lower KJ also contains a spring to prevent collapsing.
Mopar thermostat would be a good idea as well. Hoat or Zerex G-05 coolant only to be used in our Jeeps.
Replace the hose & thermostat, & inspect closely for damage /cracks at rad outlet fitting.

Thinking about T bolt clamps for the rad hoses, just for ease of use while still retaining tension, but since I might replace the lower radiator hose again tomorrow, I might just want to use those oem clamps. I always use G-05 zerex for coolant - does this hose look okay to you, or bad idea?

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...nt-hose/23607/4329594/2011/jeep/liberty?pos=0

By the way... the leak is directly from where the lower radiator hose meets the radiator, I don’t have coolant leaking anywhere else under the vehicle aside from at this specific point. The thermostat itself seems to be perfectly fine still, any reason you’d recommend replacing it regarding the coolant leaking?

 

[LibertyTC]

It may be just the hose however..Once that hose is off you need to closely inspect for damage- or any cracks around tank bottom & fitting, you have a plastic rad correct?
The gates hose is good EPDM quality and many have used them, but..The MOPAR is the very best hose period.

 

[tommudd]

Replace the hose with what Liberty TC suggested and use the OEM hose clamps and you'll be good
Unless of course you have a small leak in the radiator

 

[randomuser107]

Thanks for the info guys... just for the purpose of general knowledge... have you guys ever had a new radiator hose fail on you? I’m thinking maybe the worm clamp was overtightened on that end, could it cause an extremely premature failure? (3 months)

 

[LibertyTC]

You bought a hose from Autozone..
Ya I've seen everything..over tightening with worm clamps bad idea.
Can lead to over compressed hose, then leak or worse, plastic cracked rad fitting, I hope not.
Use OEM clamps, nothing else.
Reminds me of the Doug & the Slugs song, Doing it right takes a little longer..

 

[tommudd]

Thanks for the info guys... just for the purpose of general knowledge... have you guys ever had a new radiator hose fail on you? I’m thinking maybe the worm clamp was overtightened on that end, could it cause an extremely premature failure? (3 months)

Cheap ones yes , some of the cheap ones turn to mush when they get hot

 

[LibertyTC]

Here is the new Mopar Lower Hose with it's styling & profiling new clamp.

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online around 25$..?

 

[randomuser107]

Should I be using any kind of sealant with these radiator hoses? Or not recommended?

 

[LibertyTC]

No sealant required at all.

 

[randomuser107]

EDIT : Fan just came on randomly while looking under the hood

Anyone know when the radiator fan should be coming on? It’s around 50 degrees in the daytime and 40 right now at night where I am. Idled the car and burped the air bubbles from the coolant by leaving off the radiator cap. Took about 40 mins, took it for a 15 min drive 30-50mph.

I’m still seeing a bit of a drip but from somewhere else in a close area, the lower radiator hose to radiator connection seems dry now with the new crap hose on. I’m hoping it’s just due to my sloppy as heck pouring of coolant lol.

When taking off the radiator hose I recently installed, I saw no signs of damage or anything... looked at the radiator area and didn’t see much, not really sure what I’m looking for, everything felt smooth except for one very slight diagonal groove in the radiator metal right above the connector piece for the lower rad hose.

 

[LibertyTC]

Get the water hose out and clean away any noticeable remaining coolant. Take it out for another drive for 30 min. Re-inspect for coolant leaks.
My 2004 KJ -Generally the electric fan will come in an A/C position or any defrost setting as well.
Set in heat mode only, and hooked into OBD2 port with Scangauge....
Electric fan came on while parked at 219F and shut off as it cooled down, at 214F.
Jeep 2011 KK service manual is here for more exacting specs.. If u are running ad blocker turn it off:
https://cardiagn.com/2011-jeep-liberty-kk-service-repair-manual-wiring-diagrams/

 

[randomuser107]

Get the water hose out and clean away any noticeable remaining coolant. Take it out for another drive for 30 min. Re-inspect for coolant leaks.
My 2004 KJ -Generally the electric fan will come in an A/C position or any defrost setting as well.
Set in heat mode only, and hooked into OBD2 port with Scangauge....
Electric fan came on while parked at 219F and shut off as it cooled down, at 214F.
Jeep 2011 KK service manual is here for more exacting specs.. If u are running ad blocker turn it off:
https://cardiagn.com/2011-jeep-liberty-kk-service-repair-manual-wiring-diagrams/

Seems to once again be leaking from the original problem area. Right where the lower radiator hose meets the radiator. Ordered the OEM hoses and clamps this morning, will install them tomorrow and see if it makes any difference. If not, guess I'll be replacing the radiator itself... hopefully that will solve the problem if the hoses don't. Weird though, the actual plastic piece the hose connects to didn't seem damaged whatsoever, neither did my hose, the worm gear is clamped modestly around the hose at the problem source, still dripping... Kind of stumped on the visual side of things

 

[randomuser107]

Alright... I THINK the OEM clamps and hose did it! Not going to celebrate too soon as maybe the nice weather today is skewing my results, but I'll be sure to update again maybe tomorrow or on a colder day. Wrecked my finger nail getting off that piece that locks the clamp open, but other than that pretty happy! lol. Thanks for all the help to those who commented, fingers crossed

 

[LibertyTC]

I hope it's all good now too.
Even though there is a special tool for the oem clamps..
This works as well!

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Hopefully then no more ouchies!