How Do You Replace The Radiator
June 8th, 2010 by adminHow Do You Replace The Radiator?
The first step when replacing the radiator is to place your vehicle in park, engage the emergency brake, and allow the entire system to dry. When it gets hot, pressure builds, so don’t try to work on it, or even loosen the cap, if your car hasn’t had a chance to cool down. Also, be careful with the antifreeze. It has a sweet taste, so cats and other pets might try to consume it. Even worse, small children can get their hands on it (remember, antifreeze is toxic), so make sure not to leave any of it in the area.
The Disconnect
Begin by disconnecting the battery terminals. Then, find the radiator plug (it should be in one of the bottom corners) and drain the antifreeze. To remove the old unit, you’ll first want to take off any covers that are still attached to it. You’ll also need to disconnect and remove the cooling fan assembly. Remember the position and placement of the assembly and shroud; commit them to memory, so you’ll be able to replace them easily.
Next, disconnect any hoses that are attached to the radiator. You’ll probably need a flat head screwdriver to do this. If any of the hoses are cracked, bulged, or worn, now is the time to replace them, so keep an eye out for bad hoses. You’ll also want to disconnect the transmission cooling lines which are located at the bottom of the radiator. Be careful not to bend these lines; if you accidentally bend them, you’ll need to replace them. Next, remove the rest of the clamps, braces, or brackets which are still holding the system in place, and then lift the entire component out of your car.
The Replacement
To put the replacement in, simply repeat the steps I’ve described, but go through them in reverse. Put the new radiator in and reconnect it with the clamps and braces. Once it’s in place, reconnect the transmission cooling lines (again, take care not to bend them). Then, connect the engine cooling hoses back the way they were, using the clamps that you removed. Next, reconnect the electric cooling fan assembly and replace the plastic shroud. Once you have reassembled the system, reconnect the battery terminals.
What I’ve just explained may sound simple, but it’s not. Similar to replacing the head gasket (which I’ve covered in another column), replacing the radiator can be complicated. If you’re inexperienced with auto repairs, I suggest that you let your mechanic handle the work for you. It’ll cost more, but you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your vehicle is in trained hands. At the very least, ask a friend who has experience with working on cars to help you perform the job.
In future columns, we’ll be exploring suspension systems, car tracking units, and key jobs. So, stay tuned.
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