Would it be smart to replace all the radiator hoses in a used 1998 Expedition?

Question

I just bought a used 1998 Expedition with 132,000 miles. I'm not sure how work has been done, exept the oil change every 5,000 miles. I've heard of a lot of problems with a hose leaking and shorting out the coil. I'm using this as my towing vehicle and camping trip vehicle so it needs to be reliable(Yes, I know it is a Ford). Any thing I should change to keep it reliable? Any ideas with be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

i'd take it to a mechanic you trust (if you don't know one, check www.cartalk.com) and ask them to look it over, chances are you might need some new hoses or belts but maybe not all of them. no sense in replacing something that still has life to it.

i'd ignore that whole chevy vs. ford thing. there are lemons from every company, if one was so superior to the other , wouldn't one of them be out of business. i owned a 90 ford bronco 2 and it was very mechanically sound.

Answer 2

The hoses are 9 to 10 years old. I would think they are about due to be replaced. Since you will be towing with the expy then I would replace them for peace of mind. A visual inspection of the hoses will let you know if they need it or not. See if the old hoses are spongy or leaking. Also you may want to change the transmission fluid. Take it to a place that does a power flush, this will remove all the old fluid in the torque converter too. The brake fluid is another candidate for change. Brake fluid will absorb moisture and it will boil the moisture when the fluid gets hot. This will cause spongy brakes or even brake failure by putting air into the lines. good luck

Answer 3

I would change the hoses for sure. Also, check the fan belt, cracks in your fluid
containers, the radiator, tires. I would strongly suggest taking it to a reliable
shop that you know of and have them give it a good going over. Check the brakes, and the shocks. To check the shocks, just bounce the car a few times and pay attention to how it feels. Cars are a huge expense and I would hate to think of you out in the middle of nowhere with a problem. Also, buy a good spare
tire. Make sure that you have a good working cell phone just in case and hope that the signals get picked up. I wish you all the best of luck and have fun!

Answer 4

Before towing have a pressure test on the water system. Hoses now days are good and if they dont leak or feel spongy they will be ok . Check Belts are not too far down into the pulleys I have a Ford Diesel Ute and its great for camping. Check Brakes Check steering reservoir Have a battery check done ~~

Answer 5

The coil is at the back of the engine and the radiator hoses connect at the front so no reason for radiator hoses to short the coil. Just drive it around for a week and check your coolant level regularly when the engine is cold so you get an accurate reading to see if it is using any coolant.

I would not take it to a mechanic, their answer is yes you need them hoses replaced they are about to shred.

Answer 6

This is a fix that is totally up to you for piece of mind. Give the hoses a firm squeeze to check their condition. If you can feel that they are brittle it might be a good idea to replace them. The hoses shouldn't cost you more than $20 or $30 and would take less than 15min to replace.

Answer 7

A simple check of each hose should tell you if it needs replacing. Look it over for any sign of excessive wear or damage, also squeeze it along it's length and if it is soft
and worn. Any auto shop will do it for you and advise you as to your needs ... but use one that is trustworthy.

Answer 8

My father used to buy hoses and the such and keep them locked in his tool box. If anything happened along the road he was prepared. Just an idea.

Answer 9

I think so yeah. If not, it would definitely affect your car's cooling system. Change it while the problem is still small.

Answer 10

Change the emblems. This will increase your power and trade-in value.