Radiator Help

[Blackzilla]

Has anyone changed their radiators themselves? I've got a leak coming from the plastic seam at the top and was told by Firestone that it would cost $600 to replace. I read on the EX forums that their AC condenser is connected but I'm not sure if ours is which I would want to avoid. Any input would be helpful!

[Ilya]

BlackCat81 might have some tips as he's a dealer tech and may have done a few.

[EdBwoy]

Has anyone changed their radiators themselves? I've got a leak coming from the plastic seam at the top and was told by Firestone that it would cost $600 to replace. I read on the EX forums that their AC condenser is connected but I'm not sure if ours is which I would want to avoid. Any input would be helpful!

I have. The A/C condenser is indeed connected but it's not fused together. 2 screws at the top and 2 snap inserts at the bottom. The bottom connection between these 2 heat exchangers is a little funky and the condenser doesn't give that much play but it's definitely something you can do by yourself.

I will try to find time to look at my spare radiator and see exactly how it's configured, but IIRC, you lift both the radiator and condenser off the 2 bottom rubber bungs by which the radiator secures itself onto the radiator support. After removing the top screws going through the condenser to the radiator, you hold the condenser in place and pull the radiator down.

Things to address beforehand: fan shroud, top radiator mounts, rad hoses, coolant drain/disposal, a bracket holding the refrigerant hose onto the subframe under the intake - loosen it and you'll have a few more inches of play.

[Blackzilla]

Awesome thanks so much I might be trying this weekend!

[cfrankling]

Yes, you can definitely do it yourself, I took me about 2.5 hrs on my 06 M35

[juicehustlin]

Yes, you can definitely do it yourself, I took me about 2.5 hrs on my 06 M35

Hey, so how did you bleed your system? I changed mines and now my car is overheating