Well, you might think it's a BS clamp, but it really isn't. They are actually quite superior to a fixed clamp since they are continually tightening regardless of temperature, plus they don't tend to crimp the rubber hose to accomplish the same level of seal, making the hose last longer too.

Short of really fancy fittings, a fixed clamp has one tension level; period. You can tighten them up good and tight to be sure there's no leakage at the moment, but that tension is going to either be too great when it's hot, or too loose when it's cold; you can't really have both with them so what happens is the hose acts as a cushion absorbing the extra tension and crushing the rubber over time requiring further re-tightening to keep the seal. The hose will ultimately wear out faster.

 

Same leak here. Dealer is replacing the upper hose as we speak. If it happens again (probably will), i'm gonna upgrade to silicone hoses and better clamps.

 

Not like we need more confirmation that this is a common problem, but my car has the same problem with 48k miles. I too noticed a coolant smell (especially at idle) and then noticed the 'crusted coolant' on the upper rad hose as posted by the OP. The hose is in need of replacement.

 

Same issue on block side. Mine happened after I replaced my hoses. I guess that I didn't clean the nubs they slide onto good enough.

 

Just fill and bleed. Maybe switch to a new clamp and silicone hose. Use Nissan coolant.

 

I just had the same problem this week. I have 50,000 on my 2007.I had the hose and coolant replaced today. Cost: $62.21.

 

Same problem here too with my G35 at 91,600 miles. Firestone said it was the little elbow tube that apparently connects the hose to the radiator. They ordered the part for me from Infiniti for $49.99 and suggested replacing hose as well. $207 total seems a bit high for me for a fairly easy fix. Thoughts on this? Crawford's Z shop in Nashville during a subsequent phone call to them said that they knew nothing about that elbow part. All I know is that I have a considerable amount of green coolant crush and plenty of coolant smell.

 

^You can buy full silicone hose kits for less than that, if you can figure out how to bleed the system then you can replace it for much less.

 

Did this repair myself 2 weeks ago. I have an 08 sport sedan with 110K miles. The Infiniti dealership wanted $140 to replace the hose. I purchased a $15.00 upper radiator hose from Autozone. They also have them at Advanced Auto or Oreilly Auto parts for a little more money. You only lose a little bit of coolant, so I just added back distilled water since I did my flush at dealership back at 90K miles. I kept the original clamps.

 

By the way, I agree that there is no elbow tube. Just the radiator hose that connects to the radiator and engine. Sounds like Firestone is trying to get over on you or they don't know what they are doing.

 

Code Item Qty Price Grand Total
21512JK20A-1442055-199725 (Item 9) 2008 G35 Journey Inlet pipe
1 $11.05
If you look at a
Radiator schematic it shows this elbow as a separate part from the upper hose. We shall see.

 

I had the same issue so my mechanic just put on stainless steel hose clamps.

Issue hasn't happened since. No need to replace the hose.

 

Don't mean to revitalize a dead thread.... However, I just noticed I have the same issue. My question is what is most commonly the issue? The clamps, hoses, or the plastic piece coming off of the radiator?
Thanks!

 

Why does it need to be diagnosed? Just replace the clamp, hose and rad cap if you notice a leak from that area. Our cars are getting old and those parts are cheap. Replace everything you can at this point.

 

Any recommendation on the silicone radiator hose replacement?