I have a 2007 HHR that has almost 80,000 on her. i called the local
chevy dealer and they advised it woud cost $139 to flush the dexcool and
another $ 180 to change the upper and lower radiator hoses. ok HHR owners
how to do this in my own garage and save some serious cash! i mean how hard can this be???
thanks
John
gold 2007 HHR LT 2.4

 

Not hard at all if you have the mechanical ability. Might be a little tight to get at some of the clamps.
Guessing $100 or so for parts.

 

What is wrong with the hoses? Don't bother them if they ain't broke. A gallon of undiluted Dexcool goes for about $14, mix it 50/50 that's real close to exactly what you'll need, including the tank.

Use the search tool, there is a lot of info on drain and fill. In fact, if you just check some recent threads you will find at least one. It is not magic!

BTW, Dexcool should last 150,000, check your Owner Manual.

 

thank you! you have a nice HHR!!!

 

thank you for the info! the hoses still look ok maybe i will just top off the resovior and
leave it alone

 

Donbrew forgot one other statement in GM's Warranty puzzle (and frankly, even if you are not in warranty this should be done).......

The Owners Manual indicates an antifreeze change every 150,000 miles and/or 5 years, whichever is sooner. And I think you may be over the 5 year period.

 

5 years, ok I'll have to drain flush and fill

 

My 2010 hhr-ss with 66,500 miles has a tear in the lower radiator hose just below the T fitting. Leaking coolant. Tear caused by hose rubbing against sharp point of the engine block. How do you change the lower radiator hose---and how to protect the new hose from developing a similar tear?

 

No offense, but if you've got to ask how to change a radiator hose, best to get someone else to do that work for you.

As for the rubbing point. Either grind down that spot when the hose is off,
and/or cut out a piece of the old hose and put it over the new hose at the rubbing point.
Fasten that cut out piece with a couple plastic zip-ties.

Fwiw. ( I went out and looked )
That lower radiator hose goes nowhere close to the block or transmission. It does rest against the upper charge pipe at the pipe coupling. There should also be a corragated protective shroud on that part of the radiator hose. It could have slipped down allowing the hose to rub on the coupler. But, that coupler should be smooth there. Anyone done any work around that charge pipe or coupler ? Could have left that turned the wrong way where it's now rubbing.