I can't really see where the leak is coming from, but just thought I can check here to see if others had this problem before.

I noticed it after I did an oil change today and saw drip drip drip. I felt what it was, and it was coolant. Does the hose always leak or the part itself?

Thanks

 

that would be the heater actuator...

 

at least its not your heater core leaking on the inside.. just replace the hose and go

 

I've never replaced hoses. So I can go to an auto parts store and ask for that specific hose?

 

Probably not. Auto parts stores don't typically keep such specific hoses. Maybe you'll luck out. Although, you might even try triming about 1/4" to 1/2" off the hose where it is leaking and re-attach it. Although, I'd want to be clear and inspect the plastic housing, sometimes those will crack and leak. A new hose won't fix that.

 

if your nearest autoparts store doesnt have it, nissan definitly will

 

I had the same thing happen to my 1990 Maxima and when I went to take the hose off to fix it - one of the plastic sides came off with it. Becareful, mine was old and rotted. I now have to replaced the heater valve or what im thinking of doing is eliminating the heater valve completely by means of a bypass but im not sure how. What did you end up doing? Anyone know how I can bypass the heater valve?

 

Well, assuming you don't want a heater, then you can just tie the feed and return hoses together.

Or, if you want to do away with your ability to control the amount of heat in the winter, just bypass the actuator and you'll have 100% hot coolant flowing through the heater core constantly, meaning you won't be able to turn the heat down.

My point? Doing away with this seemingly unimportant peice would be idiocy. I can see bypassing this ONLY if it is leaking so badly you need to remove it in order to drive the car for a couple days till you can get it fixed. You can find good ones all day long at the junk yard or simply ask someone on here about them....I know I personally have 2-3 working units just laying around!