Cliffs51

I recently drained and changed the coolant on my 06 HHR. I replaced the factory hose clamps with stainless steel band clamps. Another facebook HHR owner has told me that I shouldnt use the stainless clamps because over time they will crack the plastic radiator hose connections. The reason stated was that they put uneven pressure because of the tightening screw. Before I undo what I did I would like to know other opinions from the long time HHR owners here. Thanks

Oldblue

I still have original clamps and hoses.

firemangeorge

Oh my, another one of those Facebook opinions.
Honestly. Why would you think that it puts uneven pressure because of the screw ? Both designs are circular type hose clamps. Unless you're over tightening it, I wouldn't worry. I've replaced many clamps over the years on various things. Just don't tighten it so much to where the rubber pokes through those little slits in the metal band.

Greybeard999

Ditto...

Just had a pressure test done a few days ago, too, no issues found.

Oldblue

I’ve got new hoses , just have to wait till there’s time in my schedule.
And come to think of it , FMG is right, don’t over tighten the gear clamp.

Cat Man HHR

You want a worm gear hose clamp like this:

Not the common ones you find in hardware stores:

If you can find them.

donbrew

They can be over tightened. There are torque specs for them.

Their job is to keep the hose from going over the hump more than sealing the hose.

Cat Man HHR

Everything thing has a torque value. If you know what your doing just tighten it. "Don't worry, be happy".
I think your off base with the idea the clamps job is to prevent slippage more than not sealing the hose to stop leaks.

donbrew

Sorry.

whopper

I've been using those common hardware ones for many years on various vehicles and never had a problem at all.

Just use common sense and don't be ham-fisted with the tools.

Now, I once was told by a cousin of a guy that I worked with, that said he knew of a mechanics sister that had told him that the worm screw clamps had to be installed the right way around - ie: the screw head had to be either pointing to the drivers side, or to the front of the vehicle, depending on the orientation of the hose. I haven't found any opinion to the contrary, so I gather it must be true.