Trouble installing lower radiator hose

[OCJeepGirl]

2002 Wrangler X, 4.0 manual, PS, air

Blew the lower radiator hose. Cooling system flush was my next task so have to do it now.

Got blown hose off and system flushed with water. Have cleaner ready but unable to get new lower radiator hose on.
Purchased Gates 22900. Looks identical to hose removed. Problem is I can not get the upper end of hose attached to water pump
(I think). Hose seems too small to fit over nipple. Bad access to upper port. Watched videos where they put on from under vehicle.
Not room for the hose and an arm from that direction. From above access limited by U belt and power steering body. It is like
trying to thread a needle inside a pickle jar without looking.

Suggestions???

J

 

[AndyG]

Bump to help her, anyone??

 

[PNW_LJ]

I regret that I cannot help you, except with another bump.


If access is that tight, my only suggestion is to start removing stuff in the way.

 

[TheBoogieman]

It fits right on from underneath if you install it to the water pump first. I replaced my hoses not long ago. Jump to 22:10 on video.

 

[CharlesHS]

To make sliding the end of the hose on to the water pump connection easier; I would suggest you place that end of the hose in really warm water to soften the rubber allowing the rubber to expand when slipping the hose end onto the pump connection.

 

[Crom]

A bit of lubricant on the inside of the new hose will also help.

 

[TheBoogieman]

A bit of lubricant on the inside of the new hose will also help.

Unused KY for you?

 

[red02tj]

2002 Wrangler X, 4.0 manual, PS, air

Blew the lower radiator hose. Cooling system flush was my next task so have to do it now.

Got blown hose off and system flushed with water. Have cleaner ready but unable to get new lower radiator hose on.
Purchased Gates 22900. Looks identical to hose removed. Problem is I can not get the upper end of hose attached to water pump
(I think). Hose seems too small to fit over nipple. Bad access to upper port. Watched videos where they put on from under vehicle.
Not room for the hose and an arm from that direction. From above access limited by U belt and power steering body. It is like
trying to thread a needle inside a pickle jar without looking.

Suggestions???

J

Did this last week,
Remove the coolant overflow bottle to get a bit more room.
Do the lower side first
Align the upper clamp on the hose so you need to move it as little as possible.
Use good channel locks or hose clamp pliers.
It still sucked.

 

[P man]

Hard to put in words but grab the hose and rotate it up and down or side to side to coerce it on the water pump. It usually takes some oomph

 

[OCJeepGirl]

It fits right on from underneath if you install it to the water pump first. I replaced my hoses not long ago. Jump to 22:10 on video.

That is one I watched. Was irritated how easily his went on. LOL

 

[OCJeepGirl]

Got it on!! Ended up pulling the radiator (easy since it was empty) and the fan shroud. That way I could at least get my hands
in there. Still took a bit of man handling.

Started right up. Idled until it came to temp. Realized I had forgotten the cleaner in my zeal to get it together and filled. Hoped it
would fit as air was evacuated but very little air. Will do small drain from petcock and add once cool. 20 mile test drive
both city and highway speeds. Temp solid at 200-205. Turned on AC for the last few miles. Temp never above 205.

I got a laugh when Queen's "We are the champions" came on the radio at the end of the test drive. Felt very appropriate and I
sang along very loud.