Well, my 2013 is ten years old now and I was thinking it’d be a good idea to replace radiator hoses and change coolant prior to a hose failure on the side of the road. After close inspection I’ve concluded that I can’t see any way to access the engine connection on the lower hose, (from the bottom anyway), or the radiator connection, for that matter, as it seems to be recessed within a housing of some sort. Damn, I’ve loved my Max’s, but the tight engine bays sure complicate what would otherwise be routine maintenance on a traditional longitudinal layout. Am I going to have to pull the radiator if I have to replace the lower hose?

 

I have a 2010, and I had a leak on the lower passenger side hose. You have to remove the lower under engine cover, it is not an easy hose to change, the clamps on my car were turned so I couldn't get a tool on them. The job took over 7 hours. I would also suggest you replace the filler neck as well, mine was brittle and basically ready to break when I took the hose off of it.

 

+1 on replacing filler neck. They get brittle and are a problem waiting to happen.

I was fortumate on my lower hose, only about 1.5 hours but i had some luck with the hose clamps.

 

Maxgig, To clarify - Is the "lower engine cover" the plastic splash shield under the radiator, or something more? The "filler neck", I'm assuming, is the top of the radiator? And is removable?

 

Jevery, you nailed them both, exactly. When you remove the filler neck hose you'll understand and see how it comes off from the radiator. FYI, I bought my replacement filler neck and hoses from O'Reilly's.

 

That's helpful information. Thank you.

 

I replaced radiator last year and obviously had to pull the lower hose

there is a YouTube video on this.
i recalled removing the battery assembly and real estate around it
then front bumper, and bumper brace

move aside the AC line carefully
then snake out radiator after pulling lower hose. took me a great two hours surgery time

 

That's helpful as well Les, Thank you. I'll look up that video.