Okay - I'll show my ignorance here, but I need to replace the top radiator hose (small leaks). Is there any magic to doing this or is it just remove and replace?
Thanks -any tips appreciated.

 

u could try and be cheap and jus reclamp it with a new stronger clamp pick a new spot too. id try that first. its a messy replacement changing radiator hoses

 

Just remove and replace. You'll have some coolant spill out, so you'll need to refill the coolant system and purge it of air after you're done. Follow the procedure in the service manual or get a Lisle spill free funnel - search for the threads on here on this topic.

Also, if you don't want to make a huge mess, I'd drain a little coolant from the bottom of the radiator before swapping out the upper hose. Just loosen the clamp on the lower radiator hose (bottom, driver side corner of the radiator) and pull it back enough for some coolant to run out. Place a drip pan below the area so you catch the coolant. You only need to let it drain for a few seconds to remove enough so that you don't get a bunch spilling out from the upper radiator hose.

 

No magic, just a bit of a PITA. I just did mine, I replaced both upper and lower and flushed the system and replaced with fresh coolant. I don't have high miles, just around 70k but the car is almost 11 years old so it was time for new hoses. The coolant I have already changed once, I do it every five years. Getting the air out was a pain, it took a few heat and cooling cycles before all of it was burped out.

 

Same here with replacing the upper one, flushed my coolant at same time. Unfortunately, a week later I was changing something else and noticed that the lower hose feels very flimsy. Probably should have done that one as well.