So....
I inadvertently bumped over a curb while parking at the office this morning. Have bent my radiator core and am horrified. Found a shop that thinks repair is an option over replacement but am having trouble getting the damn radiator out. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Clay

 

Haven't actually removed my radiator, but when I replaced the bottom mounts it was hanging loose and looked like a reasonably easy job.
Suggest:
. Put the car on ramps.
. Disconnect the radiator hoses, connectors and sensors. Not sure if you will have to remove the shroud and fans, but easy enough to do and I'd recommend it.
. I'd tie the airconditioning condenser radiator up tightly to its top mounting panel.
. From underneath remove the plastic bottom splash pan (missing on my car) and the radiator mount which is secured by four phillips-head bolts.
. The radiator should now slide/drop downwards for removal.
When replacing make sure that the top mounting bushes for both radiators go in their holes - almost a two-person job. I used long bolts to align and raise the radiators slowly.

Reckon that the job should take less than 30 minutes.
Have fun - it's nice and warm here in NZ so no snow and rain to lie in !!.

 

There is also the option of removing the radiator from above. It's easier to remove the upper rad mounting bracket as the screws dont get corroded and gunked up like the bottom ones. Easier to refit and fit the bushes also.

Worth a thought.

 

Have since had my radiator out for the second time, and it's far easier to refit from above. Total time about 30 minutes to get out and refitting is a one-man job.

 

Provided all the coolant pipes unbolt. My lower ATF cooler pipe had a stuck sleeve nut and I just ended up turning the brass nut in the radiator. Had to cut the pipe and buy a replacement.


I took mine out the top.