Factory style Spring type clamps or Worm drive style?

[c good]

Since I decided to replace my upper and lower radiator hoses, I'm finding the spring clamps to be a nightmare. Even with the correct tool.

The bottom hose where it connects to the thermostat didn't look too bad getting too it from the driver's front wheel well with the wheel removed

Then the ear on the spring clamp snapped. With no way of getting even a needle nose set of Vice Grips on it to loosen it

I ended up having to remove the alternator and get a Dremel and a cut off wheel to remove it! Nightmare

So, I'm thinking of going old school worm drive hose clamps. At least I can position the screw to get at it from underneath with a long screwdriver or a long extension with an 8 mm socket.

What are your thoughts on the spring clamps?

 

[movietvet]

Even with the correct tool, the older the spring, the better the chance of breakage as you ratchet the tool to back off the tension. IMO, use new spring clamps, if you can get them. they do the best job of even full pressure. Worm gear clamps can back off over time, but are easier to install and take off. Only you can make the decision but you asked for opinions. When you pick up the new spring clamps, take the old ones with you to compare. I just looked at 2 GM parts houses and at RA and do not see any listings for the spring clamps or even worm gear clamps.

Then I dug deeper and found the radiator hose spring clamps at ebay. There is only one number and if it takes the same spring clamp at all 4 locations, the GM number is #11570393. $11.93 each at R/A, plus shipping. There is also RA discount codes listed here at the forum. At ebay the clamps were $25.00+. Maybe the local dealer has them.

Ok, I looked up the AC Delco upper and lower hoses and are the same dimensions. 1 5/16" O.D. and 1.3" I.D. That tells me 4 of the same spring clamps will take care of the 2 hoses.

 

[Mooseman]

Although I hate them with a passion, I agree with @movietvet . I wouldn't be surprised if you can also find them on Amazon.

But, if you decide to go with worm gear clamps, use two with the worm gears at 180deg of each other and closer to what's in the picture (that's the only one I could find)

 

[movietvet]

$16.39 each at Amazon with free shipping.

 

[02FailBlazer]

You can get quality spring clamps of any size from BelMetric. When I rebuild my coolant system, I will be using spring clamps.

My understanding is that spring or constant tension clamps are used on coolant system components in particular as they're subject to wide temperature variations, causing the components to expand and contract which may lead to leakage if something like a worm drive clamp is installed, as any clamp that isn't constant tension can't compensate on the fly for variations in diameter caused by heating and cooling.

If you insist on worm drive clamps, I strongly recommend buying some Norma brand clamps, also available at BelMetric. GM used Norma clamps on the fuel inlet hose from the factory and their design is less likely to damage rubber hoses over time. Norma actually did/does make constant tension worm drive style clamps, and these are the exact style installed on the fuel inlet hose by the factory (or at least on my TB they were), but they're not super easy to find. They're called Torro Wave Spring clamps, so if you want that style that's the name to search for.

 

[c good]

Although I hate them with a passion, I agree with @movietvet . I wouldn't be surprised if you can also find them on Amazon.

But, if you decide to go with worm gear clamps, use two with the worm gears at 180deg of each other and closer to what's in the picture (that's the only one I could find)

 

[c good]

Although I hate them with a passion, I agree with @movietvet . I wouldn't be surprised if you can also find them on Amazon.

But, if you decide to go with worm gear clamps, use two with the worm gears at 180deg of each other and closer to what's in the picture (that's the only one I could find)

Thanks for the suggestion Mooseman. I decided to go with your method. I can access both 8mm nuts from the topside to snug them down as needed if they are a problem.