Radiator hose life

[stans02]

I will be changing my radiator fluid soon on my 02 with the Ford v 10. The hoses don't look bad, and are still soft feeling. Think I should change the hoses, at the same time I change the coolant? The motor has 38,000 miles. What do you think? Stan

[chipper]

I would replace the hoses while the fluid is drained.
Once the hoses are off, you're able to check the condition of the inside. I do this and I carry the old hoses; and extra fluid for an Emergency situation down the road.

[29BHS ECO]

Stans02 Because I only use my '99 F250 ( 99k)to plow and pull my TT I change my trans fluid every year. When it is in for that I have the hoses & belt checked and always get the ok, I guess they are made better the the old days. The two other real important things that should be checked are the rubber & steel brake lines and the steel trans cooling lines. The rubber brake lines should be bent with your hands to stress them ( bending) checking for cracks and the steel lines checking for rust. I had a steel line fail , this year, when i had to jam my brakes. The connection of the trans cooling lines at the radiator seem to me another problem area and really bad the radiator has to be changed. Of course all the rust problems will probably only happen in areas where snow and salted roads are the norm. Happy camping ( soon) Larry

[Seann45]

Soft hoses?? I would be changing them... that is a sign of age... also when you change your rad fluid remove both heater core hoses and use a hose to reverse flush the heater core.. you will be amazed at the gunk that comes out and how well the heater core will work afterwards

[Boss Wagon]

Today's hoses seem to last longer than they used too. If you still have the original Motorcraft hoses you're up to almost 11 years. I'd change them out now with quality new hoses.

When you do change them, keep the old upper and lower hoses. Carry them in your travels. If you do that you will never need them, if you don't you probably will need one or the other!

I always carry a heater hose emergency repair kit also.

[lx22f/c]

I would change them, not for the miles but for the age. Cheap insurance and peace of mind while on the road.