How to replace radiator in car?

Your car's radiator is an essential part of your engine's cooling system, removing heat from the coolant after it passes through the engine. In the event of a coolant leak, the radiator can be punctured.  A faulty radiator can cause the engine to overheat, resulting in engine damage. It's important to replace it when it shows signs of failure to avoid negative consequences for your car's engine. Follow our guide to replace your engine radiator quickly and easily.

What does an engine cooler do?

An engine radiator removes heat from the engine coolant to regulate engine temperature. A radiator is essential to keep the engine at the proper temperature and prevent overheating.

It consists of an inlet and an outlet tank with a series of finned tubes (called bundles) connected.

These fins promote heat exchange between the coolant and the ambient air.

The engine radiator is located at the front of the vehicle, behind the bumper and grille. It is located near the engine block and is supplied with coolant through hoses.

When should an engine cooler be replaced?

Because it's a non-wearing part and difficult to access, the radiator is never checked during vehicle maintenance.

The radiator should be replaced when it leaks, when its tubes become clogged (due to the use of poor-quality coolant or failure to replace it regularly), or when it is deformed as a result of an impact.

Several indications:

• When the engine overheats.
• The radiator is cold on one side and hot on the other.
• Coolant on the floor mats.
• Strange smell when the ventilation system is turned on.
• Heavy condensation in the passenger compartment

Engine radiator: How to replace it?

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle. Securely raise the vehicle with a jack and support it with jack stands. Apply a wheel lock to the rear of the vehicle and set the emergency brake.

Step 2: Drain the coolant from the radiator. Open the drain valve or remove the hose at the bottom of the radiator to drain the coolant.

Step 3: Disconnect the filler hose from the radiator. Disconnect the hose by pulling on it while rotating it to remove it from the radiator.

Step 4: Remove the top hose from the radiator. Loosen the hose clamps with pliers or a screwdriver, depending on the type of clamp. Then remove the hose by pulling on it while twisting it until it is disconnected.

Step 5: Remove the lower radiator hose.

Step 6: Disconnect the electrical connections to the cooling fan.

Step 7: Remove the fan bolts using an extended ratchet wrench with the appropriate size socket.

Step 8: Remove the fan from the vehicle.

Step 9: Disconnect the coolant lines from the transmission. Disconnect the transmission coolant lines from the radiator using a pipe wrench to avoid rounding the ends.

Step 10: Remove the radiator bolts using a wrench or ratchet with an appropriate size socket.

Step 11: Remove the condenser bolts.

Step 12: Remove the radiator from the vehicle.

Step 13: Replace with a new radiator.

Step 14: Replace condenser bolts and tighten them securely.

Step 15: Install radiator bolts.

Step 16: Reconnect transmission coolant lines.

Step 17: Replace the cooling fan.

Step 18: Install fan bolts.

Step 19: Reconnect the cooling fan electrical connections.

Step 20: Replace the lower radiator hose. Slide the hose into place. Use pliers or a screwdriver to reposition the hose clamps and tighten them securely.

Step 21: Replace the top radiator hose.

Step 22: Connect the radiator tank hose.

Step 23: Fill the radiator with coolant. Close the bleed valve if you open it. Fill the radiator with coolant.

Step 24: Purge air from the cooling system. Air can be removed from the cooling system either by opening the bleed valve if installed or by using a cooling system vacuum filler connected to a compressed air hose.

Step 25: Lower the vehicle. Use the jack to remove the stanchions and lower the vehicle. Then remove the wheel lock.

How much does it cost to replace a radiator?

It's important to know that the cost to replace an engine radiator varies depending on the vehicle model, the engine in your vehicle, and the year of manufacture.

The cost to replace an engine radiator by an automotive repair professional ranges from $150 to $500.