You will need the following tools to begin the radiator installation process: several screwdrivers, a small crescent wrench, a socket set and a catch basin. The toughest part to radiator installation is removing the old radiator from your engine. Follow these steps for removal:

• Turn off the car and disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Remove any molding, casing or fan shrouds around your vehicle radiator using a screwdriver. Disconnect all sensor and fan fittings.
• Place a catch basin under the drain opening which can be found on the bottom or sometimes side of the radiator. Remove the cap carefully and let the coolant drain. Warning: if your engine has been running, the coolant may be very hot!
• Disconnect the coolant hoses with a screwdriver and drain any excess coolant in the hoses into the catch basin.
• If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, remove the automatic transmission oil cooling lines by carefully unscrewing connections with the small crescent wrench. Be careful not to damage the oil line fittings as they are metal and will not bend back.
• Unscrew the mounting holding bolts and carefully remove the radiator from the vehicle. Drain any leftover coolant into the catch basin.

This should be all you need to know to safely remove your auto radiator. Simply reverse these steps for radiator installation and fill the new part with an anti-freeze and water solution. Be sure to replace any hoses that seem to be deteriorating. A new radiator cap is necessary every few years as this is a common area to have leaks. For more cooling system maintenance information, check out some of our other articles on RadiatorInc.com.