change front drivers radiator

[wowgogs]

My front drivers radiator is leaking.

I am wondering if I could change this myself or if I should bring it in.

I have heard it is hard to do. Is this true?

I know you have to take of the front bumper but that can't be to bad.

The part I am unsure of is once I switch it out they said I have to put a vacum at the back and get the fluid threw it or something... is this true?? won't it burp itself?

[Loren]

Clamp off the hoses so you let as little air in the system as possible.

Open the bleed valve and top up daily for next week and you should be fine.

Probably a couple hours work.

[wowgogs]

I have a new radiator for the drivers side as the one in there is leaking all over...

So I have the front bumper off and the plastic housing around it.

The little radiator on top of the main rad is that the transmission?

Can I take it off without making more work for myself? It would make things easier.

Next how do I get the radiator out. I took the 3 clips off that hold it in but it won't slid enought to pop the ends out.

And then lastly what is the eaisiest way to get the top hose off? after I pop it out or disconnect it in the wheel well?

Should I clamp both the top and bottom hose so I don't get airlock in the lines?

sorry about all the questions I just don't want to make more work for myself and I don't want to break something..

if any ones has pics they could post that would be GREAT!!

Thanks

Ryan

[jpflip]

I got the answer of one of your question. The two radiators on top of the two side engine cooling radiator are condensor for the air conditionning. Try not to open any lines or you will have to get it refilled of refrigerant...

[wowgogs]

I got the answer of one of your question. The two radiators on top of the two side engine cooling radiator are condensor for the air conditionning. Try not to open any lines or you will have to get it refilled of refrigerant...

ahh thats good to know.. I won't open them.. sure makes it tight in there thou...

[jpflip]

Strange in the repair manual there is no removal/installation instruction....

[wowgogs]

ya I couldn't find it ither... not good..

Loren do you know how?

[RFM]

It make it easier if you loose/remove the radiator bracket from the car body, after you have disconnect the aircond. condenser from the radiator with the lines still connected. You can remove/reinstall the 3 clips much easier and there is no chance to break off the radiator connectors.

[deckman]

In the middle of this now. Loren, when you say remove the bracket from the body are you referring to the large metal assembly that is bolted to the car body? To get to the 3rd small hose on top it looks like the whole thing need to come down a bit.

Edited December 9, 2010 by deckman

[Sunnyside]

Hi have a read of this, I hop it helps a little. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=48&t=871178&mid=0

Just noticed my Drivers side has started again, with this cold weather it shows up more. So I will have to do that next...again.

I will have a look for some more links, as I will have to go over it again for my sake as well.lol

Frank

[deckman]

So getting to the question at hand, if I lower (unbolt) the bracket the radiator is mounted in, it will somehow slide off? I can't see that.