Easy step by step repair guide on how to replace an automotive radiator, though appearances may vary the process is similar for most vehicles.
Difficulty Scale: 5 of 10
Begin with the engine cold, vehicle on level ground, transmission in park with the emergency brake on.
Step 1 - With the engine cold (only) locate and remove the radiator cap, a small amount of pressure maybe released when loosened.
Step 2 - Once the cap has been turned counter clockwise
while pushing downward, lift the cap from the radiator.
Step 3 - Next, remove lower shield mounting bolts
while removing shielding. This will allow access the bottom of the radiator.
Step 4 - After removing the lower shielding, locate
the radiator drain plug and start to loosen.
Step 5 - Once the drain plug is loosened coolant
will start draining from the radiator drain. Use a catch basin to collect the coolant to be recycled.
Step 6 - After the coolant has finished draining,
remove the mounting bolts or clips holding the air intake and the plastic fascia
over the radiator.
Step 7 - Once all of the mounting fasteners are
removed, lift the cover from the engine bay. Also move the air intake away from
the work area.
Step 8 - Next, located and remove coolant reservoir
mounting bolts.
Step 9 - Then, remove the coolant overflow tube
from the radiator neck. This hose can become stuck so a twist could be necessary.
Once free, remove the coolant reservoir from the engine bay.
Step 10 - After the coolant reservoir has been
removed, locate and disconnect the cooling fan electrical connector.
Step 11 - Using a hose clamp removal tool or channel
locks loosen the upper radiator hose clamp.
Step 12 - Once the clamp has been loosened, grasp
the upper hose and twist to remove.
Step 13 - Next, remove all cooling fan mounting
bolts.
Step 14 - After the cooling fan mounting bolts
have been removed, gently lift out the fan and housing.
Step 15 - Then, using a wrench loosen and remove
the automatic transmission cooler lines from the radiator, there should be two of
them.
Step 16 - Once the transmission lines have been
removed, locate the radiator mounting bolts and remove.
Step 17 - After the radiator mounting bolts have
been removed, move the radiator forward to remove the air conditioner condenser
from the radiator. This condenser will remain in the engine bay so vacuum down and
recharge is not necessary.
Step 18 - Using a hose clamp removal tool or channel
locks loosen and remove the lower radiator hose. A small amount of coolant might
leak from the hose, be ready with a fluid catch basin.
Step 19 - Now that all hoses and mounting bolts
and clips have been removed, gently lift the radiator from the engine bay.
Step 20 - Once the old radiator has been removed,
un-box the new radiator and match it up to the old radiator. Look for mounting clips.
mounts and transmission lines that might need to be transferred over.
Step 21 - After old radiator parts have been transferred
over to the new radiator, gently install the new radiator. Be careful not to damage
the radiator core while installation is occurring.
Step 22 - Once these steps have been completed,
reverse the order to reinstall the new radiator. Refill the system with coolant
and start the engine, allow the engine to warm completely while adding coolant until
the thermostat
opens.
Step 23 - Next, reinstall the radiator cap by pushing
down and turning it clockwise until tight, also check the coolant reservoir fluid
level. After installing the radiator cap, recheck the system for leaks, also recheck
the coolant reservoir after a couple of days of operation. Once driving the vehicle,
check the temperature gauge for
overheating. Helpful Information A radiator removes heat from the
engine through thermal heat exchange using coolant as a conductor and is usually
located in the front of the vehicle under the
hood. A
cooling
system consists of many parts including a thermostat, water pump and cooling
hoses. A radiator is manufactured with a thin aluminum core coupled with plastic
tanks which are prone to coolant leaks.
When removing the radiator leaving the cooling fans attached and transferring them
onto the new radiator while on the bench could be more efficient. While the radiator
is removed use a garden hose to clean the area including the air conditioner condenser. Tools and Supplies Needed Best Practices