Car Repair Advice by Professional Automotive Experts
How Do I Repair My Car?
/ How Do I
Change My Car Radiator?
How Do I Change My Car Radiator?
The vehicle's radiator is the component that removes heat from the engine through
thermal heat exchange. It is usually located in the front of the vehicle under the
hood. The engine creates heat from the internal combustion that continuously occurs
inside the engine; this heat is transferred to the engine coolant, then circulated
through the thermostat then to the radiator. Inside the radiator there are many
small tubes with cooling fins attached that allows the coolant to be cooled and
then returned to the engine in a continuous cycle. Radiators are mostly made of
2 plastic tanks and an aluminum core.
Step 1: Identify Radiator and Cooling System
Components (under hood)
The thermostat housing is where the thermostat resides; it is connected
to the radiator upper tank. The system is filled and checked at the radiator cap.
The radiator is held in place by the radiator holder brackets and is usually
near the top radiator tank. Some radiator configurations may vary in appearance
but the concept is the same.
Step 2: Disconnect Negative Battery Terminal
Make sure the ignition key is in the off position, loosen the terminal
pinch bolt and disconnect the battery terminal (gloves suggested). Anytime you perform
repair work like this it is a good idea to disconnect the battery to avoid electrical
short circuits. Always disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid a short to
ground and NEVER let the wrench contact to positive side of the battery. Make sure
the battery is clean at all times. If corrosion exists rinse battery with water
(hose) and sprinkle with baking soda to naturalize the remaining acid.
Step 3: Drain Cooling System
(Bottom View) Locate the radiator drain valve; turn it counter
clockwise to loosen. On some cars there is a protective plastic splash guard that
may need to be removed to access the radiator drain valve.
Step 4: Remove Lower Hose Connections and Drain Radiator
(Bottom View) After the coolant has drained completely, locate
lower hose connections to remove clamps and hoses. If your vehicle has lower radiator
mounts or cooling fan mounts, remove those bolts also. NOTE: (The cooling fan bolts
are optional. Sometimes it is easier to disconnect the wires to the fans and remove
the cooling fans with the radiator.)
Step 5 - Remove Upper Hose Connections
Locate upper radiator hose to remove hose clamps and hose connection.
Locate and remove upper cooling fan mounting bolts as required.
Step 6 - Remove Upper Radiator Mount
Locate upper radiator mounting brackets and remove the mounting
bolts. If you have elected to remove the cooling fans with the radiator, locate
the electrical connector and disconnect it as needed. If you are leaving the cooling
fans behind when removing the radiator, remove the upper cooling fan mounting bolts.
(Note in this photo an air impact gun is being used but a regular wrench will work just
fine.)
Step 7 - Remove
and lift Radiator from Car, Truck
or SUV
After all previous steps have been completed; inspect the general
area of the radiator making sure all other obstructions have been cleared. Next,
lift radiator from vehicle removing the cooling fans if needed.
Step 8 - Remove and Inspect Radiator
After removing the radiator from the vehicle, inspect the unit for
mounting hole location and other key mounting brackets. Now you are ready to install
the new radiator.
Step 9 - Replacing the New Radiator
Remove the radiator from the shipping carton and inspect it thoroughly
for damage. Make sure all mounting holes are in the correct
location and the overall size is correct.
Step 10 - Installing Cooling Fans
Remove the cooling fans from the old radiator and install onto the
new radiator. Make sure the cooling fan motor turns freely after the cooling fans
have been installed. Clean electrical connector and make sure it is free from debris.
Step 11 - Installing Radiator
After the radiator is ready for installation, inspect the vehicle
cavity that the radiator resides in to make sure all dirt and leaves have been removed.
Reinstall radiator and reconnect all hoses, clamps and mounting bolts. After reinstallation
is complete, refill the radiator with engine coolant or water. With the radiator cap
off allow the engine to warm up. Top off the coolant level until at the full
level. Reinstall
the radiator cap and recheck the system for leaks. (Note: make sure the coolant
reservoir is about half full with engine coolant, and recheck the coolant level
when cold.)
How Do I Repair
My Car? /
How Do I Change
My Car Radiator?
Before starting determine which cooling system parts are needed.
Inspect your cooling system radiator, hoses, thermostat, radiator cap and water
pump then purchase the appropriate parts to complete the job.
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