Radiator replacement - recommended parts

[eclipse1]

I need to replace the radiator on my 2011 A4 FWD (auto CVT transmission) as there's a chance that coolant might be leaking into transmission. (More details here http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post11994119 )

What radiator would you guys recommend? I don't want to get the top of the line as this car is already costing me a lot. Also, where would you buy it from? Any other parts I need other than the radiator itself? Suggestions appreciated.

I may also need a new hose that connects the radiator to the overflow tank (there's a seepage where it connects to the radiator). Not sure what part number it is.

Thanks.

[johnnySV]

i have a great condition oem one for sale, PM me and let's chat


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[kt883]

either buy from guy above or check your local scrap yard. Where I am theres a place called LKQ Dominion and they have networks in USA. They got me my power steering pump for $100 dealer $750

also try car-parts.com

[eclipse1]

Since There's a possible leak where the transmission line runs in the radiator, I'm a bit hesitant to buy a used radiator. I don't want to re-create the same issue. I have a transmission leak and it seems like there's something else mixed in the fluid that's leaking.

[kt883]

I'm guessing the oem rad is $1000+, you can probably get an AM for $6-700 or used for $150 so its up to you I see nothing wrong with used rad most scrappers offer a warranty of like 30 days.

These rads were obviously running properly on the cars they were on till they crashed

[cadave]

I just replaced my radiator with a new one for under 200. I did the work myself and I bought the radiator from rockauto. They have good prices and good products

[eclipse1]

Called a local salvage yard and they can get one for me for $100. Same year model. would it be wise to buy that or get a new one?

Just saw this one at RockAuto:
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....447196&jsn=343

[cadave]

New is best, the plastic end tanks degrade over time and there is no telling how old that radiator is. It may be 5 years old if it came out of the same year car as yours.

[eclipse1]

New is best, the plastic end tanks degrade over time and there is no telling how old that radiator is. It may be 5 years old if it came out of the same year car as yours.

Exactly! So the only reason I started this thread is to get some opinion about a radiator, perhaps some user review on certain brands. I'm not sure which one to buy and I can't find any reviews. Please advise, I'd like to buy one tonight.

Here's another one I found.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....=1447196&jsn=2

How are the NISSENS?

[cadave]

Nissen has been on the market for a long time and have not ever heard any negative about them.

[jfo]

I don't think you will be able to get much info, given that not many will have replaced rads on our cars yet, and one or two opinions won't tell you much about relative quality. I've used Nissens on other cars and they were fine, but that is no assurance that they make better rads than anyone else shown on Rock's site. Just roll the dice and pick one. My experience with Rock products has been good. They offer a range of price points on most items but my sense is they don't sell any junk products.

[eclipse1]

I really could use some help. I opened up the bumper cover, not sure how to remove the AC condenser unit. I'm following this http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...diator+removal guide but confused.
I haven't removed the bumper(impact absorber) yet and seems like the lines are stuck because of that.


can those lines be removed?

Please help. Need to get it done this weekend as I take it for transmission fluid flush on Monday.

Thanks.

[van462]

Removing the lines or the sensor further up will cause the A/C system to discharge. The crash suppert can be removed using 16mm sockets and some extensions. Looks like they have changed the orientation of the lower port from mine. On mine the lower port pictured sits underneath the plastic clip for the side shrouds. I found it easier to raise the passenger side (US model) first and sort of rotate it up.

[eclipse1]

Thanks for your response. so I got the crash absorber out. Still the same issue. The line is stuck under a plastic piece that's part of the radiator. Please see the pic.

[eclipse1]

Got it out.. one baby step at a time..

[eclipse1]

I can't seem to locate the drain plug. Not sure if they replaced the lower coolant line adapter with some aftermarket ones but all I see is the clip on the radiator side and a clamp connected to radiator hose. My car isn't lifted so I can't go under and get a better look. Are there any jack points under the engine somewhere?

[eclipse1]

Here's how it looks like from the front side


and the back side




As you can see the bottom part of the T coupler is blocked by a piece that I can't remove. Suggestions?

[van462]

The drain plug is just something else that can cause a leak if it doesn't reseat properly. Place a pan under the hose, raise the metal clip and slid off the lower hose. Having the top one removed first will help it drain smoother.

[eclipse1]

Replaced the radiator. I saw nothing wrong with the old radiator(that I could see) and the dealer indicated that there was a leak on the top overflow nipple, those idiots were wrong. it was just the tube that wouldn't lock properly and coolant was seeping from there.

Anyhow, now that it's over after several hours of work, I'm ready to refill the coolant. I used an aluminum pan under the car to catch all the coolant. Of course dust and debris fell on it but was wondering if I can reuse it after running it through some filter?


btw, when I took the bottom hose off to drain the coolant, I saw the drain plug was broken!

[NJRoadFan]

You need to refill with fresh G13 coolant. Any time you fix a major portion of the cooling system, a fresh fill is mandated by the service manual.

[Zach L]

I saw nothing wrong with the old radiator(that I could see) and the dealer indicated that there was a leak on the top overflow nipple, those idiots were wrong.

Yep, people that have faith in dealerships are idiots too haha.