Removing and replacing a new radiator in a vehicle is not the easiest job in the world, but it's not the hardest, either. With some technical savvy and those tools collecting dust in your garage, consider tackling the project yourself and saving a heap of labor charges from your local service station. Think of is as simple plumbing and the radiator is simply a small storage tank for the fluid. The key to being a mechanic is the ability to take things apart, keep track of everything you remove, and replace it all without having any left over parts.
Make sure the vehicle is parked on a flat, level paved or concrete surface. Make sure the engine and coolant are cold. Do not run the vehicle, unless you have to move it and then shut it off right away. If you've been driving it around getting tools and parts, go have lunch or take a break and come back in a few hours. You do not want to perform this task on a hot or warm engine. Most radiators can build up to 15 pounds per square inch of pressure and removing a radiator cap when the engine and coolant are piping hot is nunsafe.
Determine whether you can place the drain bucket under the vehicle without raising it on car ramps. It will be easier to remove the radiator with the vehicle at ground level, but if you have a low profile vehicle, it may not be an option. There are some things to remove underneath that elevating the front might make easier. A floor jack and jack stands (2) could be substituted for car ramps, but if you have to elevate the car, place a wheel chock behind one of the rear tires for safety.
Remove the radiator cap, again making sure the engine is cool. Radiators can build up 15 pounds per square inch of pressure and you do not want hot antifreeze spaying into your face and eyes. Even of the engine is cold, remove it slowly and allow any pressure to purge out as you are removing it
Locate the radiator drain plug located on the bottom rail of the radiator and place the drain bucket strategically below it. If you cannot find a drain plug then you will need to remove the lower radiator hose to drain the radiator. If you have a plug, simply turn it to the left. It will be a fixed plug meaning it will not remove from the radiator, but will simply turn and allow the fluid to drain. If you have to remove the lower hose, remove the hose clamp on the radiator size of the hose. A screwdriver or channel locks will do this depending on the type of clamp it is. Slide the clamp up the hose and move away from the radiator, then pry the hose off the radiator outlet. Be careful because when it comes off, antifreeze is most likely going to gush everywhere.
Place the bucket strategically and be ready to move it if you have to. Wipe any spillage up with shop rags as antifreeze attracts pets and animals because of its sweet smell and taste, but is extremely poisonous. Whether the radiator drained from the plug or the hose, it's a good idea while you're under the vehicle to remove any other attachments below. If the vehicle has lower radiator mounts or cooling fan mounts, remove those bolts. Also, if you have an automatic transmission vehicle, than transmission cooler lines my connect to the radiator. If there is one or more located near the bottom, you'll have to remove them. There may be another one located near the top, but you can get to that easier from up above. Some of the transmission lines take a special removal plug or quick connect insert to remove. Others may simply unscrew with a hand wrench. Transmission lines will leak a little bit of fluid from them so consider that with the drain bucket or shop rags.
Move to the top of the vehicle and remove the fan shroud or anything else in your way.
Remove the upper radiator hose and make sure the drain bucket is placed beneath it because more fluid will purge out, but not too much. Also, remove the surge/overflow reservoir hose located near the radiator cap.
Locate and remove the upper cooling fan mounting bolts.
Locate the upper radiator mounting brackets and remove the mounting bolts. Remove the upper cooling fan mounting bolts.
Remove any upper transmission cooler lines if present and remember they're going to leak a little bit of transmission fluid.
Make sure there is nothing else attached to the radiator. Lift it straight up and out of the engine compartment. If you're replacing a new radiator then be sure to take off the rubber bushing mounts on the bottom of the radiator as most new radiators do not come with them. If you are replacing and putting in a new radiator, reverse the procedures.
