thepda

Hey guys,

Today I decided to try and tackle my own radiator replacement. But unlike almost 90% of cars where this should be semi simple. The 2004 RX330's seems to be a bit tricky.

I feel like I've taken nearly every screw off imaginable. Yet the radiator will just *not* come out! How do I get this thing out? Also, the Haynes manual I have doesn't seem to be right.

HtownBlue

DRAIN ENGINE COOLANT
REMOVE ENGINE UNDER COVER NO.1
REMOVE AIR CLEANER INLET NO.2
REMOVE AIR CLEANER ASSY
REMOVE AIR CLEANER BRACKET
REMOVE AIR CLEANER INLET NO.1
DISCONNECT RADIATOR HOSE INLET
DISCONNECT RADIATOR HOSE OUTLET
DISCONNECT OIL COOLER INLET TUBE NO.1
DISCONNECT OIL COOLER OUTLET TUBE NO.1

SEPARATE HOOD LOCK ASSY
REMOVE RADIATOR SUPPORT SUB-ASSY UPPER

Remove the bolt and separate the suction tube bracket.
Disconnect the horn connectors.
Remove the 5 bolts and the radiator upper support.
REMOVE FAN SHROUD

Disconnect the engine coolant reservoir hose.
Disconnect the fan motor connectors.
Remove the 4 bolts and the fan shroud.

REMOVE RADIATOR SUPPORT SUB-ASSY LH

Remove the 3 bolts and the radiator support upper LH.
Using a screwdriver, remove the cap.
Remove the 2 bolts and nut, and separate the hood lock.
REMOVE RADIATOR SUPPORT SUB-ASSY RH

Remove the 3 bolts and the radiator support upper RH.
REMOVE NO.2 RADIATOR ASSY

Remove the 4 bolts.
Lift the radiator, then remove it.

INSTALL NO.2 RADIATOR ASSY Torque: 5.0 Nm (51 kgf-cm, 44 inch lbs.)
INSTALL RADIATOR SUPPORT SUB-ASSY LH Torque: 5.0 Nm (51 kgf-cm, 44 inch lbs.)
INSTALL RADIATOR SUPPORT SUB-ASSY RH Torque: 5.0 Nm (51 kgf-cm, 44 inch lbs.)
INSTALL FAN SHROUD Torque: 13.5 Nm (138 kgf-cm, 10 ft. lbs.)



INSTALL RADIATOR SUPPORT SUB-ASSY UPPER

Install the 5 bolts and the radiator upper support. NOTICE: Secure the upper member with retaining claws of the radiator upper support. Torque: 7.8 Nm (71 kgf-cm, 62 inch lbs.)
Connect the horn connector.
Install the suction tube bracket with the bolt Torque: 9.8 Nm (100 kgf-cm, 7 ft. lbs.)

INSTALL HOOD LOCK ASSY Torque: 8.0 Nm (82 kgf-cm, 71 inch lbs.)
INSTALL AIR CLEANER INLET NO.1
INSTALL AIR CLEANER BRACKET
INSTALL AIR CLEANER ASSY
INSTALL AIR CLEANER INLET NO.2
ADJUST HOOD SUB-ASSY
ADD ENGINE COOLANT
CHECK FOR ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS

HtownBlue

If you are not removing the entire support assembly (sheet metal piece) above the radiator, you will not get the radiator out.

thepda

Just want to share my experiences with everyone.

First, getting the radiator off the 04' RX330 is not easy. Like, really not easy. You will have to exhaust all of the A/C coolant as well (unfortunately).

I was told by Lexus of Naperville in Illinois that my car needed a new radiator since when idling it beings to heat past the middle line of the gauge. I paid $75 for Lexus of Naperville Illinois to say this. I just spent two days replacing my radiator after buying one and as of tonight I finally got it back in (I had to buy a new radiator hose as getting the old one off took cutting it). To no avail, the car STILL OVERHEATS!!

I'm taking it to another shop tomorrow to hopefully get someone to look at it. Long story short: Don't go to Lexus of Naperville Illinois and remember that removing a radiator from the 04' Lexus RX330 AWD is in fact difficult and time consuming (there are many parts before you can even touch the radiator).

HtownBlue

OMG man!!!
I had this issue last summer. The issue IS NOT THE RADIATOR. It is the FAN CONNECTION to the FAN Control Module (grey box above fans bolted to shroud).

The wiring WITHIN THE HARNESS comes loose and will cause fans to malfunction. You need to carefully take apart the wiring harness to expose the wires and metal fittings and use a pliers to pinch the connections tight once again!