ZMonet

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement constant tension spring clamp for the radiator hose (connecting the hose to the radiator at the front of the vehicle). I had a failure of the existing spring clamp, which I thought was due to the mechanic not properly seating the clamp, but after I got it all back together and drove for 100 miles or so I noticed the hose is slowly pulling away (e.g., the clamp is sliding with the hose) meaning that there must not be sufficient tension. Any help greatly appreciated.

DshngDaryl

I heard there was nothing better than an OEM Hose clamp, because it offers equal tension all the way around a hose.

Unfortunately, I don't think anyone sells OEM style hose clamps.

I think your best bet is to take it off and go to a Toyota dealer (or Lexus if you prefer) and ask for one.

Another option maybe buying one of these. It will probably cost you more than a single clamp, but you get ten of them. ALSO I DO NOT KNOW WHAT SIZE YOU WILL NEED.

A third option is to go to MyLParts.com and look up a radiator hose. Usually the clamps are listed on the same page.

VVTiBob

Believe you are referring to part # 90466-41003 Radiator hose #1 clip.

ZMonet

Thanks DshngDaryl. Yeah, my research turned up the exact same thing, that using the OEM tension spring is the right way to go, especially over a worm clip (which would be easier to find).

Thanks, VVTiBob! You saved me a lot of time and headache! Much appreciated. Ordered and hopefully it fixes the issue of the radiator hose inching off. Is the failure of a tension spring common?

VVTiBob

I don’t think so. My clamp is the original one installed when the factory hand built my car. Although it was probably reseated when the timing belt/water pump job was done. But since I wasn’t present when the job was done I’m not certain. Proper seating and clamp placement are important.

ZMonet

Thanks again! I just had the timing belt/water pump job done and this is where the problem came up. I wasn't present for the job either, but I'm wondering if the tension clamp was damaged in their removing it. It just doesn't seem to be providing enough tension as I'm able to pull on the hose and slide the hose off. Where is the best place to put the clamp, towards the end of the hose, where it is most on the plastic connector, or in the middle?

VVTiBob

The white line on the hose should line up with notch. Obviously the clamp needs to be past the distal flanged portion of the radiator pipe.

VVTiBob

I checked my car. Hose is actually further back than I thought, but it is on rock solid with no movement.

ZMonet

Thanks so much! Good to know that my tension spring likely just isn't providing sufficient tension. I'll see if the replacement fixes the problem.

Coleroad

Yes, the worm clamps can cause cracking of those plastic fittings. The spring clamps are the only way too go imo.

buddhi

RADIATOR HOSE CLAMP Part number is 16571D

That's for the top of the radiator, nearest the radiator cap, for the outlet hose.
Retail $13.85

Wilson2000

If the new clamp doesn't fix the slippage problem, you need a new hose. The ID and OD of the hose is critical, and as it ages, the OD will get smaller as the rubber compresses. This reduces the tension which is necessary for the hose to stay clamped in place on the radiator's hose-bibb (the plastic appendage the hose clamps to).

The spring clamps can be removed and carefully squeezed-smaller, but then, you would have too much tension once you replaced the hose. My guess is you could get away with the original clamp if you replace the hose, but since you already ordered the clamp, you might as well order a new Lexus OEM hose as well.

If one replaces one's radiator hoses with non-true-OEM-Lexus hoses, there is no guarantee the original spring clamps will work properly as the OD of any aftermarket hose is likely to be different than stock, resulting in too-little or too-much tension.