radiator replacement question

**b6-sr20det** · 11-28-2008 01:57 PM

So it appears that my radiator crapped out and is now leaking coolant pretty good. So i just picked up a replacement radiator and im now pretty stumped on how to replace it. Ive beeen searching numerous forums all day and i havent read 1 helpful thread on how to do this.
Does the whole front of the car realy need to be taken apart and swung open like the timing belt DYi that i read(the only helpful one lol). Or can i do everything from the engine bay like a normal car that im used too? If any one could give me any helpful info i would greatly appreciate it!

**Papachristou** · 11-28-2008 02:00 PM

i think with the way its mounted you need to pull the front bumper which is all of a ten minute job anyway

**dirtybrd** · 11-28-2008 02:01 PM

It has to be swung out IIRC. Just go ahead and kill 2 birds and do the T-belt also.

**b6-sr20det** · 11-28-2008 02:04 PM

I honestly would but i need to get the new rad in asap to get to work and i dont have a t-belt kit

**Papachristou** · 11-28-2008 02:12 PM

taking the bumper off and swinging it out is very easy IMO.. first time might take you an hour but after that, its cake

**dirtybrd** · 11-28-2008 02:34 PM

Agreed, I think I can have mine off in about 15 mins.

**Papachristou** · 11-28-2008 02:37 PM

have a few beers, always speeds up my repair times

**b6-sr20det** · 11-28-2008 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by Papachristou

have a few beers, always speeds up my repair times

Thanks dude!

**vdubstreets** · 11-29-2008 09:11 AM

Drain coolant from lower rad hose disconnect upper and lower hose and im pretty sure you can remove it without removing the rad support at all but its been a while since i did it. Bleeding air out of the system will take you a little while. Any problems shoot me a PM.

**BARRY** · 11-29-2008 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by vdubstreets

Drain coolant from lower rad hose disconnect upper and lower hose and im pretty sure you can remove it without removing the rad support at all but its been a while since i did it. Bleeding air out of the system will take you a little while. Any problems shoot me a PM.

much easier to pull the coolant temp sensor at the bottom hoes to drain your coolant.

good luck pulling those hoses off if they've never been off before, thats the hardest part of the whole job.