How long does it take to replace a radiator?

Replacing a radiator can take most of a day, but, with care and patience, it is is doable. In order to replace a radiator, you’ll need to drain the old radiator, detach any the parts keeping it in place, remove it, install a new radiator, re-install any parts that were removed, and add coolant.

How much does a car radiator cost?

The average cost for radiator replacement will be near $671. The cost will vary significantly depending on your model of car and the complexity of the work involved. Some car manufacturers are far more expensive for the part than others, with the cost of a new radiator varying from $182 up to $921.

Is it dangerous to replace a radiator in a car?

Wait until the engine is cold before proceeding. This job can be dangerous, so be extra careful. You will encounter sharp edges and other circumstances that could cause injury. Protect yourself by wearing quality safety gloves and goggles. Be watchful of any moving items while working.

What do you do when the radiator cap is removed?

Once the cap is removed, you can either open the petcock valve or remove the bottom radiator hose to drain the coolant. Drain the coolant into a plastic reservoir. With the coolant drained, you can start removing hoses, clamps and the radiator bolts keeping the radiator in place.

Replacing a radiator can take most of a day, but, with care and patience, it is is doable. In order to replace a radiator, you’ll need to drain the old radiator, detach any the parts keeping it in place, remove it, install a new radiator, re-install any parts that were removed, and add coolant.

Can a car jack be used to replace a radiator?

You’ll need to raise the vehicle so you can access your radiator. You can use a car jack and stands to keep the vehicle up, but remember to put a chock behind the wheels and engage the parking brake. Wait until the engine is cold before proceeding. This job can be dangerous, so be extra careful.

Wait until the engine is cold before proceeding. This job can be dangerous, so be extra careful. You will encounter sharp edges and other circumstances that could cause injury. Protect yourself by wearing quality safety gloves and goggles. Be watchful of any moving items while working.

How do you remove a radiator from a car?

Many radiators can be removed by lifting up and out of the vehicle, but some need to be removed from underneath the vehicle. Set the new radiator in place, and then reattach all the previously removed parts. Start with the radiator mounting bolts and finish with the radiator reservoir hose.

You’ll need to raise the vehicle so you can access your radiator. You can use a car jack and stands to keep the vehicle up, but remember to put a chock behind the wheels and engage the parking brake. Wait until the engine is cold before proceeding. This job can be dangerous, so be extra careful.

Do you have to flush the radiator before replacing it?

Never remove the radiator cap or hoses when the engine is still hot. Flushing the system is a good idea before you replace the radiator, unless this was done very recently. A flush kit makes the job super easy and is a very nominal cost. Make sure you clean up any spills and put the old fluid in an approved container.