Radiator Removal Lots of pics and step by step - Page 3

Shane06fl · 04-18-2009, 11:12 AM

Two extra hands is nice for the change out but not needed. I found that the a/c condensor sits in grommets attatched to the bottom of the radiator. It lifted the condensor up and pulled it forward. i do recomend removeinge the fan if you can. I didn't and wish I did. but if you don't and your slidieng the radiator in if you turn the fan clockwise (if your looking at it) it won't bind up on the radiator.

Total time for me was about 3 hours but I had to make a run to the auto parts store for some hose.

O-FiveCC · 04-18-2009, 01:10 PM

Thanks for the info. I'm going to try to install my Bilsteins and Brake pads and lowering shackles all in the same day as the radiator, we will see how that goes lol

06_SMOKE_SE_CC · 05-05-2009, 05:35 AM

thanks for the write up and pics....seems simple enough....i think i'm gonna be replacing my radiator pretty soon, bookmarked the thread...

O-FiveCC · 05-05-2009, 05:56 AM

I'm not sure that this was mentioned in this write-up. I didn't see it anyway. There are 2 rubber grommets on the bottom, front of the radiator that the A/C condenser legs sit in. you have to remove this obviously because you don't want to take the A/C cond. out too lol (plus it wouldn't fit). Anyway, I just took a screw driver and stuck it in through the bottom of the grommets and pushed the A/C condenser up and out.

04GreenT · 05-14-2009, 10:13 PM

i did my radiator just over a month ago. Took me about 4hrs to do alone while my girlfriend watched lol. The 4hrs was including me trying to figure out how i can mount the trans cooler up front to look like an intercooler... Looks like i gotta buy a slim fan for infront of the a/c condenser and get some hose and itll work!

I actually just unbolted the fan clutch from the bracket and pulled it all out along with the shroud. Made everything 100x easier.

Not to mention, i was dreading spending the $300 for a new radiator.. talked to my connections and paid $156!

O-FiveCC · 05-15-2009, 09:21 PM

Look at my last post:
I'm not sure that this was mentioned in this write-up. I didn't see it anyway. There are 2 rubber grommets on the bottom, front of the radiator that the A/C condenser legs sit in.

then look what was said 2 post before I said that! Damn, I'm a tard

Quote:

I found that the a/c condensor sits in grommets attatched to the bottom of the radiator.

Yeah I got my Koyo for $185, can't beat it. I think it took me about 2-3 hours to do my install of the radiator. But I also had to go back 3 times and fix leaks lol, guess I should have been more thorough

*adamdude04* · 05-15-2009, 09:29 PM

I'll hopefully be doing my radiator next week. I'm ordering one early next week. Koyo..good yeah? As long as it's a lil better then the OEM crap

O-FiveCC · 05-15-2009, 09:44 PM

This is probably the cheapest you will fing the KOYO, this is the one that is in my truck now. And yes, from what I have heard from a few members, the KOYO is a bit better than the OEM

05 - 08 Nissan Armada KOYO Radiator A2691 06 07

royr · 05-24-2009, 07:00 PM

great post ! Mods - can this be made a sticky - only a matter of time untill we all need to do this repair.

37L1 · 05-24-2009, 07:16 PM

It's in the "how to" area, it's easy enough to find.

Toomnymods · 05-25-2009, 05:54 PM

subscribing i'm gong to be replacing mine with the CSF (stillen) radiator soon

jdl75 · 06-01-2009, 05:18 PM

Great write-up. Just did mine. 1.5 hours out, 45 minutes back in. Probably would have taken less time if I had a helper to remove, and it would have gone in much quicker if I had my radiator waiting to go in when I took the original out. Sadly, there was a week between removal and install, so I forgot a few things.

Absolutely take the fan off. That alone would have saved me 20 minutes on the removal. I jockeyed, looked, scratched my head, jockeyed some more, then just took the fan off. 10mm open end wrench, 4 nuts and 10 minutes later, done done!

I haven't seen it mentioned here, but when you go to drain the radiator / coolant, open the coolant reservoir, back the nylon bolt out until the coolant starts to flow from the drain below the nut. Have a couple catch pans ready. I pulled almost 2 gallons out of mine, and that's after the cracked OEM POS leaked coolant everywhere. Damn Visteon products. I bought a Nissan truck only to end up with a Ford radiator.

I haven't seen it mentioned, so I'll say it - remember to use distilled water with your coolant when you re-fill. Def don't want all the added minerals from tap water. I used 1 gal Prestone (not the premix) and about .75 gal distilled water.

EDIT-
Do yourself a favor and replace any hose clamp that you remove on AT fluid hoses. That's the 1 at the bottom of the radiator, and 2 at the top. I went ahead and replaced all that I could get to. I had a terrible ATF leak when I was done, to the point I thought I cracked the ATF aux cooler. I bought a bag of Ideal hose clamps at Home Depot and replaced all the clamps I could have even bumped. Leak seems to be gone :crossingfingers:

palmer · 08-16-2009, 07:18 PM

Thanks for the great write up. Took me about 1.5 hrs to diagnose and remove (with a broken middle finger on my dominant hand). It cracked next to the driver side bottom mount. I'm calling tomorrow (monday morning) to see if I can get a Stillen within a few days. Def don't want a radiator to crack because of bs plastic again...

P.S. : I'm about done with nissan titan and armada. Toyotas don't do this. I've had the rear axle failure, brake failure 3x, exhaust manifold crack, a leak at the front handle next to the windshield, and now the radiator. I could only imagine how much this truck will cost later on down the road...

O-FiveCC · 08-17-2009, 05:02 AM

Then go get a Toyota now

Okivice · 10-08-2009, 08:21 PM

Great thread.... Right on time.... Just bought a Titan approximately two months ago and then the radiator started leaking two weeks ago and now it appears to be getting worst so I ordered the radiator with know idea of how to remove it. Not a stranger the mechanics, but it is great to have a visual plan. So did a "Hail Mary" on the forum and found this. Just in time. Looks like I will be busy this weekend. Thanks again.