Radiator hose clamps

[Dave Tidman]

Vehicle specifics: 2003 Nissan Frontier 2.4L 120K miles.

My radiator hoses are showing signs they need to be replaced. Right now, I have the screw type clamps on the hoses. I changed them from the OEM spring type clamps when I had a small coolant leak and the pressure test had some seeping from the hoses (the actual leak was a gap in the RTV gasket material at the water pump) and I happened to have the screw type available. After the fixes, the screw type clamps seemed to hold better. However, the deterioration I’m seeing on the hoses is close to the clamps. I’m trying to decide on keeping the screw clamps or going back to the OEM type.

I’ve seen various pros and cons on each type of clamp. Any opinions on which type of clamp is better?

thanks

Topic

[EricTheCarGuy]

6 of one, half dozen of the other. You can use either. The hoses will degrade over time no matter what clamps you use.

[Dexter Carol]

The clamps that come with the car from the dealer are better. They are better because they adjust over time as your radiator hose size changes over time.

The screw type clamps stay the same size as you set with the screw.

[Author]

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