It is time to replace the radiator on my 04 rx. I thought I had come across a diy on this, but I can't seem to find it... If there isn't a diy, does anyone have any tips for completing this job?

 

Check out post #3 in this thread. Nice writeup unfortunately no photos:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...stall-dyi.html

 

Thanks! That is what I was looking for. Don't know why it wasn't pulling up in my search.

 

Radiators are straightforward. Make sure you use Toyota Genuine Coolant, the pink stuff. Take pics if you can.

 

This job was fairly straightforward. There are a couple things to consider when doing this:


The screws which attach brackets to the AC condenser were rusted. I needed to drain AC refrigerant to remove unit.

Buy a couple screw type hose clamps. The lower rad hose is almost impossible to remove/attach with the spring style clamps.

Good double stick tape and new weatherstripping. I carefully removed and reused most of the weatherstripping from the original radiator. I still had some that wasn't reusable.

I did not detach the hood latch. Once the bracket was removed, I simply rested it on the motor.

 

I didn't think it was necessary to drain AC line and discharge the refrigerant to make the job easier, wow. One more thing to consider. Good thing that I have a 3 CFM vacuum pump to evacuate the AC system when the time comes.

 

No the Air conditioning unit was not necessary to be evacuated. You can remove radiator without removing the condenser....

 

Yes, If you can remove the screws which hold the brackets on. I could not with the unit still in the vehicle. They were phillips head, and were rusted. Even with it out, I was only able to remove one side. I then bent the other bracket enough that I could get the radiator out. Those of you who live in areas that don't experience rust will probably be able to do the job without removing the condenser.

 

He (lazaruLng) had to remove the condenser (the screws were so rusty) to remove the radiator.