Radiator replacement write up? (1 Viewer)

[gr8ful]

Hey there,
Does anyone know if a great write up for a 2011 radiator replacement? The best I’ve found is one on club lexus forums, but it doesn’t specify a few things, and I don’t want to screw anything up.

For instance, it talks about removing an upper & lower bumper cover. Is this the actual plastic bumper & grill, or something else? The links in the write up don’t actually go anywhere, and I don’t want to just start pulling things apart without better understanding!

thanks for any help!
Abe

 

[Acrad]

FSM instructions are on post #13

#Radiator Questions and Comments - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023) - #Radiator Questions and Comments - So today I noticed some pink dried powder on the under carriage cover. I keep the truck super clean so I can tell if something has happened to it. Long story short please have a look at the pics. It's dropping very lightly where the...

www.clublexus.com

 

[gr8ful]

Thanks! That’s the thread & write up I’ve been using actually! What’s got me confused is things like step 6. “Remove front bumper cover” but the “click here” link just takes you to the same phrase. Can you tell me, are they actually saying to remove the whole plastic bumper? I’d hate to do it & learn I was way off on my assumption.

thanks a bunch!

 

[Acrad]

No... you shouldn't have to do that. I've never heard of anyone removing the bumper cover to replace a radiator on the 460.

 

[SugarBear]

No... you shouldn't have to do that. I've never heard of anyone removing the bumper cover to replace a radiator on the 460.

well that's a burn. Now you have! We couldn't figure out how to remove the lower radiator mount bolts without taking it off, and the FSM said to, so we went ahead & did it. Then we learned that the stealership where we got it, glued the bumper cover back in place on one corner, so that is crap. On the plus side, I think it is a good excuse for a new bumper soon! Also took the new radiator out of the box, only to find one of the mounting bolt holder, "loops' was cracking & missing like half of it. So I guess we are at a standstill for a few days until we can get a new one. Bummer!

Thanks a bunch for your help & insight though! Even though we removed the bumper, it is nice having some advice on things coming in!

 

[Acrad]

i will have to look but remember someone on GXOR mentioning how they removed lower radiator bolts without bumper cover removal. I will see if I can track it down…or I am having a false memory

 

[Acrad]

 

[Jstawgn]

I am doing the same thing to my 120 this week and I have to get access to the bottom bolt thru the bumper opening. 12 mm hex and just use 12" extension to reach from front of bumper.

 

[gzaldivar]

Just replaced my radiator last weekend. It is doable as a DIY but is a bigger job than other radiator replacements. The bumper comes off easily and goes back in place without a lot of trouble. When putting it back make sure to line up the four tabs behind the grill where the logo is or the will bend and break. Also, be mindful of where the radiator mounts that you need to swap to the new radiator. The top mounts have a metal tab that hooks into the car when you mount the radiator. The bottom mounts do not. I removed the bottom hose while it was still attached to the old radiator but it turns out you don't need to do that to remove it. I also put the new hose on after I mounted the radiator. You can put the bottom hose on first before putting the radiator in but be careful to make sure you line up the hose correctly to the thermostat inlet. I screwed that up and the new hose was stuck on the radiator so tight I had to remove the radiator to get it lined up. Overall it is a four hour job if you have done it before. Took me double that due to mistakes, learning, etc.