DIY Radiator Replacement

Replacing the radiator of your vehicle is a job that you can do yourself in about 2 or 3 hours. Occasionally, the radiator can crack or become clogged to the point that it needs to be replaced. This is often caused by extreme temperatures due to faulty parts or the radiator not allowing the water to flow through the chambers properly. You can save time and money by replacing the radiator on your own.

Instructions

Remove the Radiator

1

Unfasten the negative ("-") battery cable on the vehicle battery post with am open-end wrench to prevent any electric shock while replacing the radiator. Place a drain pan on the ground underneath the drain plug on the bottom passenger side of the radiator.

2

Take the radiator cap off the top of the radiator, and set it aside. Remove the cap from the coolant overflow reservoir on the passenger side of the engine compartment, and detach the rubber overflow hose from the top of the radiator.

3

Open the drain valve on the bottom of the radiator with a pair of pliers, and let the radiator drain completely. Unfasten the screw clamps on the upper and lower radiator hoses with a screwdriver, and take the hoses off the metal radiator flanges.

4

Unfasten the cooling fan shroud from the radiator with a screwdriver, and move the shroud back away from the radiator. Remove the radiator mounting bolts from the vehicle frame at the top of the radiator with a socket wrench.

5

Lift the radiator out of the engine compartment, and set it out of the way.

Install New Radiator

6

Position the new radiator inside the engine compartment, directly behind the front grill, and secure the mounting bolts to the vehicle frame with a socket wrench. Attach the cooling fan shroud to the radiator with a screwdriver.

7

Connect the upper and lower radiator hoses to the metal flanges, and tighten the screw clamps on the hoses with a screwdriver. Verify that the drain valve is closed on the bottom of the radiator, and add a mixture of half coolant and half water to the radiator.

8

Place the cap back on top of the coolant overflow reservoir, and attach the rubber overflow hose to the top of the radiator. Put the cap back on the top of the radiator, and attach the negative battery cable to the battery with an open-end wrench.

9

Remove the drain pan from underneath the vehicle, and dispose of the fluid at the local recycling center or automotive supply center.