Brought the RX8 to the dealer for an oil change, and they told me there was a small coolant leak at the thermostat, all three hoses appear to be slightly leaking. I checked it, and at least one of them seems to be leaking as there is a little coolant on the engine in that area and a little "crust" of coolant built up by the hose ends. Coolant level hasn't changed in weeks, so it's pretty minor but still want to get it fixed. They want $315 to replace the hoses. I thought that sounded a little extreme, even though it looks like you'd have to be under the car to do it (so not so easy without a lift).

The hoses themselves seem to be in pretty good condition (car is an '04 with 67k miles), is it worth taking off the crappy clamps and putting worm-gear hose clamps on the end to stop the leak? Anyone know what part number those three hoses are, and what it would cost to do it myself? Seems pretty crazy to pay over $300 to have hoses replaced.

Any similar experiences or info would be appreciated.

 

You don't need to be under the car to remove those hoses.
Just take out the battery and battery box and you'll have access to all the hoses on the thermostat.
I would first look at all the clamps and make sure one of them isn't slightly off the hose.
Those clamps hold tightly so I wouldn't replace them unless you find on that is obviously loose.

If everything visually looks OK, drain the coolant from the radiator and remove each hose to the thermostat.
You'll see build-up on the fittings... just clean them up the best you can.
Then reinstall the hoses, fill with fresh coolant (remember to put the plug back in the radiator), and observe for leaks.
I like to leave the battery and box out of the car and use jumper cables to power the car.
This way I have a better look at everything running.

 

Thanks, I'll do that. So should I re-use the hoses if they look ok, or just buy new ones? Also, any benefit in going the silicon route?

 

If they look fine and aren't cracked/punctured... I wouldn't replace them.
If you want to dress the engine bay up with a different color hose, sure... go with the silicon type.