lawrence1

Does anyone have a DIY on the radiator/fan replacement/removal? My 2012 has a rattle coming from one of the fans(left) when the A/C is on and the radiator is showing signs of leaking around the clamps that attach the core to the plastic end tanks. The fan is also wobbling so i suspect a bad bearing.

Since the job looks like a PITA, I ordered the the radiator, and fan shroud as the motors are no longer available for purchase separately and should have the parts when I get back home on Thursday. I'd like to thank lobuxracer for all the info he's posted on this forum ... It made locating the noise easier and also helped me figure out that a new shroud comes with new fan motors.

Has anyone replaced their radiator and if so, are there any tricks to making the job easier. I am fairly mechaniclly inclined so shouldn't be an issue but figired i'd ask for those of you that are more seasoned in working on these cars.

Thank you.

lawrence1

Forgot to add that i also ordered the transmission filter and gasket to service the transmission as well since it appears the level will need to be adjusted poat radiator replacement. I'll pick up some Toyota WS fluid when i get the rest of the parts.

jat0223

iTrader: (1)

There's a recall for this problem.

lawrence1

Already been down that road. My car does not have any outstanding recalls, other than the pass side airbag - I already checked. This recall was either performed already, or my car was not subject to it. Lexus Drivers site does not show any indication of it having been performed and 2012 was the cut off year, so maybe Lexus decided the later 2012 cars were not "affected" (I suspect that that the fans on my car should have been covered as well as there is significant axial play in the bearings). In addition, the radiator is leaking at the end tanks and I am out of warranty.

I have the parts on order so at this point i'm looking for some tips on the radiator and fan replacement.

Joker4096

iTrader: (2)

Lobux racer did his or did it for another member not too long ago. He did I write up I believe.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

PM me. It's a cakewalk as long as your garage door doesn't scrape the hood on closing.

isfvss

Most modern radiator, fan assembly are so easy to change, to a mechanically challenged person it looks complex and that's putting it nicely cheers.

lawrence1

Well, not that I'm mechanically challenged or anything but TIS requires removal of the front bumper and a whole bunch of other stuff for rad replacement on this car. This is somewhat unusual, and definitely more work than I've had to do when replacing radiators in the past. I haven't even looked at my car yet to be honest, since I'm traveling all week and the parts won't get there until the end of the week. I figured i'd pop in here and see if anyone has done it without pulling the bumper.

lawrence1

thank you. PM sent.

Quadrphnia

I'd still love to see a DIY...

lawrence1

Well boys and girls, it's all done. It actually was relatively simple. The bottom bolts holding the radiator to the ac condenser are a PITA. It's easier to get these out last, and put them back in first when reinstalling the radiator. Other that, once you pull the plastic covers off it's self explanatory. Took me about 5 hours to swap both the fan assembly and radiator, fill the system, etc. Also, the new radiators no longer come with a new expansion tank.

BlckGhst

Mine failed today. 2011 with 106k miles. Found one at a local radiator shop and everything is now good

lawrence1

Right on! Did you go aftermarket or OE?

BlckGhst

Aftermarket

isfvss

There's a good vid on utube by KG LAM LE