Senin, 27 Juni 2011

How to Remove a Radiator From a Nissan Maxima

The radiator in a car's cooling system works by passing coolant through its small tubes, with air moving over them. The heat passes from the coolant to the air and the coolant flows through the engine to start the cycle again. Radiator failure is generally due to clogging or leaking. In the past, a radiator could fail in as few as 75,000 miles. Today, due to better materials and manufacturing methods, radiators can last twice that long. Still, when the radiator fails, you must remove it from the vehicle for repair or replacement. It will take about two hours to remove the radiator in your Nissan Maxima.
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Metric combination wrenches
Pliers
Screwdriver
Clean drain pan
Flare nut wrenches
1

Park the vehicle on level ground and let the engine cool. Place a clean drain pan under the radiator. Use the pliers to open the drain petcock in the bottom of the radiator. The valve has two handles coming out, perpendicular from the center. Grab the handles with the pliers and turn. Remove the radiator cap to speed up the draining process.
2

Remove the retaining bolts for the fresh air intake and remove it from the front of the vehicle. Loosen the upper and lower radiator hose clamps with the screwdriver. Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses. The heat from the cooling system can cause the hoses to weld to the radiator fittings. Work the hoses in a circular motion to break the bond. If that does not free the hose, insert a screwdriver between the hose and the radiator fitting and pry the hose off gently.
3

Remove the two transmission cooler lines if your vehicle has an automatic transmission. Use a flare nut wrench to do this. Plug the cooler lines with a rubber plug or a shop rag. This will protect the transmission from dirt and other contaminants.
4

Disconnect the coolant reservoir tube from the radiator. Remove the radiator upper clip by pulling the tabs outward to release the lock. Locate the cable leading to the radiator fan motor and follow the cable to its connector. Pull the tab on the connector and unplug it.
5

Remove the radiator and fan assembly by lifting it straight out of the engine compartment. Separate the fan motor assembly from the radiator by removing the four bolts that hold it in. There are two bolts on the top and two on the bottom, each located in the corners of the assembly.

Tips & Warnings

Spray silicone lubricant on the radiator fittings where the hoses attach to make it easier to remove the hoses, if it is necessary in the future. Inspect the hoses carefully when you remove the radiator. Leaking, bulging or cracking means that you should replace them.

Always be certain that the engine is cool before removing the radiator cap or draining coolant. Be careful not to damage the cooling fins of the radiator or the air conditioning condenser when removing the radiator.

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