[butterman2473]

This picture shows the heater hose which is attached to the rear lower engine block with the arrow pointing to it. If I remove the flat EGR bracket it will give me room to reach the heater hose, but the small bracket (or whatever it is) which I circled in yellow is in the way. Does anyone know what this part is or how it may be removed?

Is the small bracket preventing you from removing the air cleaner support bracket (the egr doesn't have a bracket)?

I couldn't find anything definitive looking at the exploded parts diagrams. Was thinking maybe this cable mounting bracket, which doesn't look the same I know.. But I haven't checked where the shift cable actually runs.

I'm going to reach a mirror in there to hopefully have a better look.

 

[dawghelms]

Is the small bracket preventing you from removing the air cleaner support bracket (the egr doesn't have a bracket)?

I couldn't find anything definitive looking at the exploded parts diagrams. Was thinking maybe this cable mounting bracket, which doesn't look the same I know.. But I haven't checked where the shift cable actually runs. View attachment 338416

I'm going to reach a mirror in there to hopefully have a better look.

Is the small bracket preventing you from removing the air cleaner support bracket (the egr doesn't have a bracket)?

I couldn't find anything definitive looking at the exploded parts diagrams. Was thinking maybe this cable mounting bracket, which doesn't look the same I know.. But I haven't checked where the shift cable actually runs. View attachment 338416

I'm going to reach a mirror in there to hopefully have a better look.

You are correct there is no EGR bracket. The bracket I am referring to is the one pictured next to the EGR valve I am pointing to on the top / back of the motor. If I remove this bracket I can reach all the way down and grab the heater hose which is pictured. The bracket (or whatever it is) I have circled in yellow is in the way of me removing the heater hose.

 

[butterman2473]

@idlafie A penny for your thoughts?

 

[butterman2473]

This picture shows the heater hose which is attached to the rear lower engine block with the arrow pointing to it. If I remove the flat bracket next to the EGR (pictured) it will give me room to reach the heater hose, but the small bracket (or whatever it is) which I circled in yellow is in the way. Does anyone know what this part is or how it may be removed?

The bracket you're pointing to is the air cleaner support bracket.

And best I could tell is that other bracket is attached to the metal "J" shaped, I guess breather tube that's pointing downwards.

 

[dawghelms]

The bracket you're pointing to is the air cleaner support bracket. Wow! In the 14 years I have owned this truck the back tab of my air cleaner has been broken off so mine was never attached to this bracket. As far as the other bracket is concerned, I believe I could get it off, I just do not know what else it may be attached to at this point.
View attachment 338463

And best I could tell is that other bracket is attached to the metal "J" shaped, I guess breather tube that's pointing downwards.
View attachment 338471

 

[idlafie]

@idlafie A penny for your thoughts?

Sorry Butterman....I'm at a loss...I replaced my heater hoses many years ago on my '95 240SX, (KA24DE motor), but can't recall if I ever changed the heater hoses on my '04 Frontier. From what I can recall, I used a ratchet extension or two and those universal swiveling sockets.... It seemed like a pretty easy repair to me... I tend to remember those repair jobs from hell... Sorry Buddy....🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

 

[butterman2473]

Sorry Butterman....I'm at a loss...I replaced my heater hoses many years ago on my '95 240SX, (KA24DE motor), but can't recall if I ever changed the heater hoses on my '04 Frontier. From what I can recall, I used a ratchet extension or two and those universal swiveling sockets.... It seemed like a pretty easy repair to me... I tend to remember those repair jobs from hell... Sorry Buddy....🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

No need to apologize. Your reply is very much appreciated.

 

[dawghelms]

Well the the leak was coming from the "U" shaped hose. I replaced the four hoses that are pictured in my original post. And did so without removing the intake manifold.
Unbolting the power steering pump and removing the mounting bracket and plate allowed just enough access to swap the bypass hoses.
Unfortunately, the heater inlet hose replacement will have to wait until it becomes a necessity. It connects to the back side of the engine block and it seems that the intake has to be removed to access. I tried getting to it from underneath but space was too tight.

Here is another shot of the area from the manual. It also shows the connector hose from the thermostat housing.

 

[dawghelms]

Well the the leak was coming from the "U" shaped hose. I replaced the four hoses that are pictured in my original post. And did so without removing the intake manifold.
Unbolting the power steering pump and removing the mounting bracket and plate allowed just enough access to swap the bypass hoses.
Unfortunately, the heater inlet hose replacement will have to wait until it becomes a necessity. It connects to the back side of the engine block and it seems that the intake has to be removed to access. I tried getting to it from underneath but space was too tight.

The "U" shaped hose is hard to access and I would suggest to loosen the alternator and swing it out of the way to the left and remove both upper and lower radiator hoses to provide room. This will allow you to use both hands in the very confined space. Also when are removing the "U" shaped hose with pliers MAKE SURE AND DO NOT DAMAGE THE PLASTIC BOX beneath the hose which is the PCV housing. Also, you may want to change the PCV whether it needs it our not because it is so hard to access through the wheel well.