tex_phil

My coolant has been leaking the last couple of weeks and determined it was the radiator return hose. I got the hose and the sensor in the mail last week. I'm trying to install it before I take a trip this weekend. I searched by didn't find much info. Has anyone replaced this hose before? Is it easy to do? Anyone know of a DIY I could follow?

pjinca

Shouldn't be too difficult, I haven't done this on our Bimmer yet but usually there a just a couple of hose clamps and a plug to replace the sensor. If you can put up a pic of the hose (typically the one going into the top of the radiator) I'd be happy to help with strategy for tackling the job.

tex_phil

Thanks! I'll take a pic later tonight

pjinca

Anything I can do to help (kinda what we're here for huh?)

delje08

I replaced mine on my own. If you look at the hose the clamps can be lifted with a flat screwdriver. Once that is lifted i wiggled it until it was removed. At first i thought it wasnt going to come off but that hose has been on there since it was built, just wiggle it around until it comes loose. When you install the new one, the dealer recommended i put vasaline around the inner hose to lube it (seriously he told me to do that) and push the hose in all the way until it cant go any further and clamp. Simple took me 25 minutes to do. Dont forget to buy your antifreeze. Good luck

Furious_g

Vasoline is to help the rubber slip over the raised lump on the radiator tube. Dry rubber can grip and not want to go on.

When mixing the anti-freeze / coolant, make sure you do it at the recommended amount. Too little is bad, and too much is also bad (but for different reasons).

Good luck, it's easy and you'll do fine!

v_therussian

Phil, you should do a DIY on this - common issue, will be much appreciated, I'm sure