Radiator replacement part list

[LockedNLoaded]

Hey guys, looks like I will be replacing my radiator. While I am doing that I thought it would be best to replace the following:

• Thermostat
• Lower hose
• Upper hose
• Thermostat gasket
• Radiator Cap

Honestly the hoses look fine, but if I am already in there why not? Is there something else I should replace that I am forgetting? Thanks

 

[ton504]

Coolant.

Sorry I had to. Lol

 

[Julian Stead]

Heater Tee's if you haven't already done them.

 

[CharlieS]

12mm socket, 12mm combination wrench (fan), lots of extensions (to get at lower bolts on radiator mount), 14mm socket (serp tensioner), 10mm socket (engine cover and intake hose/resonator box), cable hose clamp pliers, radiator hose removal hook tool, pliers (for random clamps), Phillips screwdriver (for screws at top of grille).

Once you're that far in it is pretty trivial to replace the smaller cooling hoses between the thermostat, oil filter cooler fitting and throttle body.

Depending on age and condition, it is a good time to do serpentine belt maintenance or go as far as the water pump. Everything is out of your way at this point.

Agree with Julian S - depending upon age and mileage, the heater tees and hoses at the back of the engine are worth doing.

One tip - crack the fan nuts loose before taking off the serpentine belt.

I didn't do this, but in retrospect, it might have been easier to remove the radiator side brackets before removal. I got it out without that, but you'd have more room to get it by hoses on one side and the battery tray on the other if you took them off.

 

[LockedNLoaded]

Thanks guys, the Heater tees have been done. I believe the serpentine belt is fine, but I am OCD when it comes to this stuff so I might as well do that too.

 

[Sandroad]

Thermostat 90916-03100

Thermostat gasket 16346-50010

Upper radiator hose 16571-50150

Lower radiator hose 16572-50150

 

[Skidoo]

Does your model use radiator for cooling transmission oil, if so you will need some ATF on hand.

 

[LockedNLoaded]

Does your model use radiator for cooling transmission oil, if so you will need some ATF on hand.

That's a good question, I have no idea. I will have to check on that. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[CharlieS]

If you do it carefully, you only lose a dribble. I used some hose block off clamps when I did the job. I've read on Mud about other people plugging the lines with old spark plugs, toothbrushes, etc.

 

[Skidoo]

You probably don't want to reuse ATF from radiator as taking it out may break loose some sediment.

 

[ponytl]

if they are factory Toyota hoses... I'm not sure you need to replace them... from techs I've talked to they are almost lifetime items... others might chime in but I've never heard of an oem toyota hose failure... you might be replacing it with something not as good... new maybe... but not as good

 

[CharlieS]

You probably don't want to reuse ATF from radiator as taking it out may break loose some sediment.

I didn't (wouldn't ever) reuse any ATF that was drained out.

If you clamp them off, you don't lose more than a dribble.

I just did this last weekend, and the ATF level looked fine (drain and fill two weeks ago). I'll check the level again soon, but I'd be shocked if it lost even 1/4 cup in the radiator job.

 

[Skidoo]

Those hoses I expect are old and ATF is the hottest fluid on the vehicle, making the rubber less flexible, so pinching them off takes a chance of creating a weak spot.

 

[CharlieS]

I don't actually care.

 

[LockedNLoaded]

So much for OEM radiators. Just installed everything and the brand new OEM radiator leaks worse than the 16 yo radiator it is replacing. Its like the top plastic piece is not even attached to the radiator itself, its leaking so much. Now I am really &$($# cause I am sure its going to take several days to get a replacement shipped back out to me. FML. I think this go around I might just go with a Denso seeing how they are about 150-200 less than a brand new OEM. I guess I should have known better because I heard from more than one source that the new OEM radiators have quality issues. I just can get over how bad that damn thing is leaking.