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Toyota Camry: How to Replace Thermostat and Radiator Hoses

Replacing your thermostat and coolant hoses will solve a majority of cooling issues. Due to wear and tear, these parts need to be replaced regularly to ensure that your car doesn't have any cooling issues.

By AJ Mawley - July 29, 2015

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2011).

Guess what the two most common problems that cause overheating and coolant loss are? You guessed it, a malfunctioning thermostat and worn radiator hoses. These will cause major cooling issues and lead to engine failure if not addressed promptly. A bad thermostat can also cause intermittent cooling issues, since it is not always actuated due to debris and hundreds of heat cycles. A nick or degradation in a radiator hose can cause a ruckus while you are cruising down the freeway due to white smoke billowing out of your hood. Instead of risking major repair bills, replace your thermostat and radiator hoses at the recommended intervals to avoid any problems. As a word of caution, never perform a cooling system repair when the car is hot!

Materials Needed

  • 8mm socket and driver
  • 10mm socket
  • Pliers
  • Pan and rags for coolant

Step 1 – Remove the skid plate

Remove the 8mm bolts holding on the skid plate under the car. Set the skid plate aside.

Figure 1. Skid plate removal.

Pro Tip

Save the skid plate bolts in a safe place as they are easily misplaced.

Step 2 – Drain the coolant from the radiator

Open the drain cock on the radiator and be ready to capture the coolant from the radiator. The drain cock doesn't need to be removed completely. It can be loosened and the coolant will drain automatically.

Figure 2. Draining coolant.

Pro Tip

Don't forget to wear gloves and have lots of rags ready as this job can get messy.

Step 3 – Remove lower radiator hose

Use your pliers to disconnect the hose clamp over the lower radiator hose. The hose can then be pulled back. Be ready with your pan because a lot of coolant will be drained out of the lower radiator hose.

Figure 3. Lower radiator hose removal.

Step 4 – Remove upper radiator hose

Use a pair of pliers to undo the upper radiator hose clamp in the same way as the lower radiator hose. Remove the upper radiator hose.

Figure 4. Upper radiator hose removal.

Step 5 – Remove thermostat housing

Remove the two 10mm bolts holding on the thermostat housing. Be ready to capture some coolant as a small amount will drop from the thermostat itself.

Figure 5. Thermostat housing removal.

Step 6 – Remove thermostat and O-ring

Remove the thermostat by pulling it out with a pair of pliers. The O-ring simply comes out by working your way around it and popping it out. That's it, you are almost done!

  • Figure 6. Thermostat removal.
  • Figure 7. Removal of O-ring.

Step 7 – Install new thermostat and radiator hoses

Install the new thermostat and radiator hoses in the reverse order. After everything is buttoned up, make sure to add new coolant and follow procedures in the manual to bleed the system. Congratulations, your Camry is cool again!

Figure 8. Nice job!

Featured Video: Thermostat and Radiator Hoses Replacement Toyota Camry 2002-2006

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