2000 RADIATOR

Believe it or not, learning how to replace a car radiator is as easy as 1-2-3. Amongst auto repair mechanics, replacing radiators is the second most desired job to do, following brake replacement. The reason for this purpose is because it is very simple, easy, and quick to change out a radiator (on most cars and trucks). So, if it is that easy, how do you replace a radiator you ask?

STEP ONE:

Before you begin disassembling, take a look around the radiator, notice what is holding it down and get a general sense of what you need to remove in order to be able to pull the radiator out of the vehicle. Once you have done that, go ahead and remove the upper and lower radiator hoses (only the ends that meet the radiator). Be sure to have something placed underneath the car to catch all the water and antifreeze that will be flowing out of the radiator once the upper and lower hoses have been removed.

STEP TWO:

Now, we are ready to remove all other bolts that are holding the radiator down to the car itself. Once we have these bolts removed, we are ready to pull out the radiator and install the new one.

* In majority of the cases the radiator fan will be removed with the radiator and detached at a later time and mounted on to the new radiator before installing.

* In some cases you may need to remove the radiator fan, prior to removing the radiator, and reinstall in reverse order.

STEP THREE:

If you have removed the radiator with the fan attached, go ahead remove it and mount it onto the new radiator that you will be installing. Now you are ready to install the radiator, tighten the bolts to hold the radiator in place, reconnect the ends of the upper and lower hoses and you have successfully replaced your own radiator.

However, before you are completely done, you must fill the radiator up with one gallon of antifreeze and top off the rest, by adding regular water. If you choose to use 50/50 antifreeze, you must use 50/50 only and can not use water to top off the radiator. Now we got the radiator filled up, check to make the reservoir is full too, close the radiator cap, and start the car to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Next time your car needs a radiator, consider replacing it yourself. It will save your over $150 at the least in labor costs and it can be very self rewarding. So during these tough financial times, take an initiative and replace your radiator on your own, anyone can do it, it's easy as 1-2-3.

This article is a general step by step process on how to change a car radiator and may vary from vehicle to vehicle.