Heater Hose T replacement Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470 100 Series

A simple and short video on how I replaced a broken heater hose "T".
/ thirteensmilespergallon
Camera equipment used in this video:
DJI Pocket 2: amzn.to/2KZH5XG
GoPro HERO9 Black: amzn.to/3rS8sDI
DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone Fly More Combo: amzn.to/3hJt1h6
Rode VideoMicro Compact Microphone: amzn.to/38avbmD
GoPro Suction Cup Mount: amzn.to/3ndwLbF
The Basics:
The heater core uses the hot coolant from the engine to blow heat into the cabin. Its a simple idea and used in almost every vehicle out there today.
The Problem:
In the Toyota Landcruiser, the heater core was designed as almost an after thought. To easily get coolant in to, and out of the heater core, Toyota just added a couple of these plastic "T"s to existing coolant lines. Since these "T"s were not grounded, they could not be made of anything but plastic in fear of electrolysis. Since plastic degradeds over time, these "T"s would eventually break if not replaced causing the car to loose coolant and overheat.
Affected:
All 1998-2006 Toyota Land Cruisers and 1998-2006 Lexus LX470 (UZJ100).
Solution:
Change out the heater hose "T"s before they fail.
Repair difficulty: 5/10
Repair time: 1.5-2Hrs
Tools and Parts:
Toyota heater hose "T"s x 2 (metal ones): amzn.to/2SN6zYw
Gloves: amzn.to/38psAmq
Long needle nose pliers: amzn.to/2HrtFy8
Hose grip pliers: amzn.to/2SrmVXq
Heavy duty silicon spray: amzn.to/2u2QNQE
Coolant filling funnel kit: amzn.to/2HrC5Wh

[@flyingscot3666]

Hi Chow - thx for the great video - just did the job - FYI used an old piece of insulation board to lay across the top of the engine - that way I could comfortably lie on top of the engine and work on the clamps at close quarters..... made the job easy. Keep the good Land Cruiser videos coming - much appreciated.

[@chowcares]

I gotta try that next time!!

[@blaineaustin2225]

thanks found the leak at the tee ,after watching your very informative video pretty sure I can do this myself, thanks you saved me quite a bit of money

[@billygooze7886]

thanks man this gave me the confidence to do it myself over spending the money at the dealer to get the hoses replaced

[@NDN_FTR]

Great video. The alternator went out earlier in the week, and today one of my heater tees broke. Your videos have allowed me to stay out of the shop and keep rolling. Thanks.

[@Dc0lbyt22]

Dude i had an altenator go out too, such a pain to replace!

[@NDN_FTR]

@@Dc0lbyt22 Yep. 20+ year old connectors don't like to come off.

[@tedscott]

Thanks for the whole series of series 100 videos. I just put a 2002 LC on the road, I picked up a 133,000 mile LC in an even trade for a non running (but rust free) 1967 FJ40, traded with a LC specialty garage. Other than changing the oil yesterday, haven't started on any projects yet (snowed last night), next is lubing the (6) zerks on the drive shaft. Again thanks for the videos.

[@chowcares]

You’re welcome, sounds like fun projects!!

[@kamalmani695]

You videos are great. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I bought an 07 LX recently and planning on doing most maintenance myself. Your channel will be of great help.

[@chowcares]

You’re welcome!

[@kamalmani695]

@@chowcares Do you have a top side creeper or ladder? It was a bit awkward to get to it from the sides (5' 10"). I ended up replacing all the hoses and clamps since they were starting to crack.

[@chowcares]

@@kamalmani695 none of those, I deflated the front tires so I could reach everything easily

[@skipgraham6178]

Pure gold. I had the exact same problem and this saved me a ton of time. Thanks!

[@sbase20d]

Thank you! I was about to send to the shop… now I’m going to do it myself after watching your video

[@Texasknowhow]

Greatly edited video and well executed. I would only say that the hoses in there are also 20+ years old and maybe should be replaced while in there. I'm doing this same fix now and was looking to see if anyone had videoed this repair yet.... yep.. Again, nice video. -Clay

[@EnriqueSonora]

Best vid on this procedure, appreciate the detail. Thanks

[@chowcares]

Enrique Sonora thanks!! Hopefully it helps!

[@ken-ec9wv]

excellent video, i now will check mine, had timing belt and water pump done at 130,000 miles, don’t know if the t’s were replaced, imo, it’s probably one of the most crucial parts too replace for dependability and piece of mind ! lol

[@chowcares]

ken that’s right! Those things are so check but so crucial, especially if you like taking your cruiser out camping/exploring.

[@jefferypotter6310]

I am so glad you posted this. I don’t think I’ve ever had my heater T replaced in my 1999 Lexus LX 470 with 320,000 miles! I want to know if you have a good mechanic that you can recommend in Long Beach Los Alamitos Huntington Beach area for landcruiser

[@testaccount4632]

Awesome video. Thks so much ... spot on with the aging Land Cruisers. I had one broken "T" with minor leak, the second was about to fail. GREAT SAVE. Now, any chance that you have a video on the lower heater hose replacement (below the "T's" - I have a new leak (two years later) lower down ... leaking on exhaust ... trying to sort it out

[@luxcruisers7870]

Simple but vital repair, first thing I did on mine when I got my rig. Well put together video my friend, I look forward to more 100-series content! Never knew that's why they are made of plastic!

[@chowcares]

Yes luckily mine broke on the driveway. If it failed anywhere else it would be difficult to repair, especially on a trail.

[@xbimmers1]

Just got myself an 03 470. your videos are very helpful. Thank you. I've seen videos showing T hoses made of brass. Any info on those?

[@chowcares]

xbimmers1 there are aftermarket ones made of metal or brass, I think it has something to do with electrolysis, that’s why Toyota never used metal ones. Basically the moving coolant creates a charge and because the metal T isn’t grounded, causes it to deteriorate faster than usual. Buuuuuuut that’s just my two cents. I always prefer oem over aftermarket for a replacement part

[@jiahe8747]

Very clear video and presentation. Thanks for the upload

[@chowcares]

You’re welcome, hopefully it help!

[@Doeasy2023]

Excellent job. I’ll do on my 2000 lx and flushing the heater core to works better on winter. Thanks

[@chowcares]

I would suggest sooner than later. Especially if you don’t know when it was last done as it could cause the engine to overheat

[@Asian_Connection]

You inspired me to get a lexus. I recent brought a 02 Lexus Lx470 with only 140k. There are a few problems I need to get second opinion on the cause. 1. The car makes a cluck sound as it decelerates. It up shifts very smooth. Trans fluid looks good (darkred). What do you think the cause is? 2. This might be related to issue 1, when shifting between R to D there is a massive cluck or a kick. Your input on what the issues maybe will he greatly appreciated.

[@joelharris3073]

He has a video related to this. I replaced the front hub flanges, which had play in them on the CV splines. No more kick!

[@roncruiser]

Simple effective video. Awesome.

[@chowcares]

roncruiser thanks!!

[@hokie9910]

Is that an old school NSX I spy??! What a superior sports car compared to the stuff that comes out today that just breaks constantly....

[@chowcares]

😐😐😐 they just don’t make them like they used to. All analog 😎😎😎

[@SmileyFace300]

Excellent video, and very clear. Thanks bro

[@blakeparker6378]

How much coolant should you expect to come out when you pull off the hoses? I’m doing it right now and a pretty constant amount came out before I put the hose back over to cover it. I wasn’t expecting that and got all over my garage floor

[@chowcares]

quite a bit, especially if yours wasnt leaking already. its connected to both the heater core and the radiator, so it has access to a large amount of coolant.

[@briankoerner4073]

thanks for posting this! gonna do some preventive maintenance on the 100 series this week.

[@chowcares]

Have fun!

[@willmtaylor]

Thanks. Great video! How would this be different if I wanted to proactively do this as preventative maintenance? How would I avoid getting coolant EVERYWHERE?

[@reck0n3r]

What's your take on replacing the original hoses after 150k+ miles? Appreciate the videos brother!

[@chowcares]

The radiator hoses are really tough and can go wayyyyy longer, but if you’re already replacing a bunch of other stuff you might as well since they’re not too expensive. Piece of mind I gues

[@TMJNK]

Hey from Australia. I don't seem to have any T,s in my vehicle. Is it only for rear heaters the T was used?

[@jefferypotter6310]

A question - my 1999 Lexus LX470 never puts out much heat during the winter time. I have no idea why… I can turn it to the hottest temperature and it’s still cold/warmish in the cabin. But never warm enough to be comfortable .It’s very inappropriate when I go skiing etc. Do you have an idea or recommendation?

[@leenestle]

Thanks for the video. Both Toyota, Lexus and Indy shop wanted ~ $800 - $875 to replace. They all quote 3 hrs labor which seems excessive. They were going to replace all hoses and clamps too, but was able to get all part for $150. Will give this one a try by myself.

[@chowcares]

The hardest part is getting back there because of the lift. Other than that, it’s easy!! Have fun 😎

[@leenestle]

chowcares well, hoses off. Was more of a challenge than I thought, just the angles are tough. Apparently I didn’t order hose grip pliers, opps. Thanks again, for your video.

[@chowcares]

@@leenestle youre welcome!

[@tntdynomite4166]

Some people recommend replacing the associated hoses at the same time. Any thoughts on that?

[@chowcares]

Depends on the condition. Mine were still ok this time but I would probably replace them next time

[@raymondgibson3564]

Getting ready to do my 2000 LC and 2000 LX. Question on the water in radiator though. My radiator fluid says to not dilute with water. Are you using something different?

[@chowcares]

There’s 2 types that Toyota offers, pre diluted and concentrate. Looks like u got the prediluted on so just pour and go

[@wolffo999]

good idea to have those parts on hand in your tool kit anywsy

[@adriancarabajal]

Great videos you have a new subscriber

[@chowcares]

Thank you!

[@berhaneb1]

Your videos have been so helpful, thank you. I experienced this exact problem today on my 2000 Land Cruiser. I'm ready to do the work, thanks to your video. However, the Amazon link you listed for the part is broken. And there's a few when I do a search: Dormant Help 56387, 47117, 47118. Can you confirm which one is the right fit? Thanks!

[@chowcares]

thanks for your support. the old link doesnt work anymore, the only suitable replacement i found on amazon is this: amzn.to/2SN6zYw this is an aftermarket metal version that fits. many people in your situation have upgraded to these. if you want to stick with the OEM plastic, toyota parts deal has them for pretty cheap: www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~pipe~heater~water~inlet~c~87248-60460.html?vin=&make=Toyota&model=Land%20Cruiser&year=1999&submodel=&extra1=&extra2=&filter=()

[@berhaneb1]

@@chowcares thank you much! I had just found the OEM plastic parts... But I think I will go with the metal parts you suggested. I appreciate your quick response!

[@jenkinsinlihue]

How are the metal heater T's holding up? Any issues with the metal ones?

[@yangli1905]

May be this is a very beginner question. Is that okay just add water into the radiator?

[@chowcares]

You should be filling up your radiator with a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. But if you’re just topping off, water is fine

[@1987yuksel]

Thank You very much

[@chowcares]

1313AslanBey you’re welcome

[@nathanc5789]

Can also use brass T’s as another option. $6ea at hardware store.

[@chowcares]

True, but electrolysis might occur 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@wolffo999]

excellent. !

[@lawrenceheath5198]

Hey , I have a serious problem with my radio , the screen do not come on all the time it's BAD and what makes it even worse it that the ( AC and heat control ) are in the unit . Help , is there any place you know can fix this problem ? Also I recently discovered a fan in the floor under the passenger front seat , how this works ?

[@lawrenceheath5198]

Sorry I have the 2000 Land cruiser Cygnus ( right hand drive ) I'm also on the island of Jamaica , I love the truck even though it a gas hog , I'll like to keep it but I need a back life gate mine is started to rust out where the hinge are , any help on parts is greatly appreciated , keep the video post coming , Lawrence #1-876-772-1503 ya man.

[@moekareem9980]

What tire size do you have on your Land cruiser

[@chowcares]

315/75/16

[@moekareem9980]

chowcares thank you 😊

[@davideguy4959]

CAUTION: The steel T's in your link leak if you use the original clips. Had to remove everything again and replace them with worm gear clamps.

[@robert9473]

It broke at 190000 km i change for a home made copper one.

[@986C]

The Toyota ‘techs’ don’t forget. They just are bums. I have a new 200 and they literally only put half of the bolts in the skid plate back.

[@chowcares]

Not cool, I prefer all original hardware

[@J0nny]

Does this apply to gx470s also?

[@chowcares]

not 100% sure, if the GX uses the same heater hose T's they should be in the same general area.