Gates 21438 Radiator Coolant Hose - Lower or Upper

Gates 21438 Molded Coolant Hose Overview

The Gates 21438 molded coolant hose is an OE-style radiator coolant hose built from EPDM for dependable cooling-system service. It is shaped for upper coolant routing and also covers heater and bypass-style applications where the listed fitment applies, including Mitsubishi Diamante, Buick Century, Chevrolet Camaro, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser, Pontiac Firebird, and Oldsmobile 98.

Gates Molded Coolant Hose line is built around replacement applications that match OEM-style dimensions and formed routing, helping simplify radiator hose replacement on vehicles that need a precise upper hose profile. The 21438 part number is used across multiple interchange references for the same application.

Key Features

• EPDM construction for coolant-system durability
• Molded hose profile for formed upper-hose routing
• 1.25 in. inside diameter at both ends
• 24.7 in. centerline length
• No spring and no quick-connect fittings
• Direct replacement style for listed upper radiator and HVAC coolant hose applications

Detailed Description

Gates 21438 is a molded radiator coolant hose engineered to match the routing and dimensions needed for specific upper hose applications. With a 1.25-inch inside diameter on both ends and a 24.7-inch centerline length, it is sized for vehicles that require a formed hose rather than a universal straight section. The EPDM material is commonly used in cooling-system service for resistance to heat and coolant exposure.

This hose is listed for 2001-2004 Mitsubishi Diamante, upper; 1999-2000 Mitsubishi Diamante, upper; 1986-1988 Buick Century, upper; 1987-1988 Chevrolet Camaro, upper; 1986-1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, upper; 1987-1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser, upper; 1985-1988 Pontiac Firebird, upper; 1986-1987 Chevrolet Camaro, upper; 1984-1985 Buick Century, upper; 1985 Oldsmobile 98, upper; and 1984-1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, upper. This part cross-references Dayco 71203 and Anchor 8150 for the same application.

What It Helps Fix

• Cracked or leaking upper radiator hose
• Collapsed or softened coolant hose sections
• Incorrect hose routing after a previous replacement
• Coolant loss from aged EPDM hose material
• Fitment issues on formed upper hose applications

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the vehicle year, make, model, and upper-hose routing before installation. Compare the hose shape, end diameters, and centerline length to the removed part to confirm the correct fit for your Mitsubishi Diamante, Buick Century, Chevrolet Camaro, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser, Pontiac Firebird, or Oldsmobile 98. Inspect clamps, necks, and adjoining cooling-system components for wear before installing the new hose.

Quality Assurance

Gates manufactures molded coolant hoses to OEM-quality specifications for replacement use in radiator, heater, bypass, and related coolant applications. The Gates 21438 is part of the brand’s molded coolant hose line for formed-fit cooling-system service.