1995-2003 Nissan Maxima: Radiator replacement

1995-2003 Nissan Maxima: Radiator replacement

How to remove and replace the radiator in your 4th/5th/5.5 gen Maxima (should all be the same). The video was extremely overexposed, did the best I could in making it at least somewhat watchable….

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Alex Bui says:

I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima. My radiator had a few hair-line cracks so I
replaced it (thanks to the help in this video!) I heard that it’s
recommended that both the thermostats should be replaced too if the
radiator needed to be replaced. Is that true? Thanks.

abeyah1 says:

One thing I came across while uninstalling is a draining problem. Since my
maxima still has the plastic covering underneath the radiator, I actually
had to pull the hoses off to drain it as opposed to using the drain plug
(which wouldve been too much trouble to get to).

boredmder says:

@myaznbui It would be a good idea just for preventative maintenance, if
they’ve never been replaced before. The thermostat is mounted on the timing
cover, just follow the lower rad hose. The water control valve (secondary
thermostat) is on the coolant log over by the KS, right above the valley.

boredmder says:

@suchislife801 That’s why I started doing what I’m doing, too many videos
have far too many parts in no real order (expertvillage), or take way too
long and either have little to no information/advice, or they dwell on
every little detail. Couldn’t find anything short, simple, and informative,
so decided to make my own.

boredmder says:

@abeyah1 Indeed, I always forget that from the factory there are the
plastic splash shields in place. It’s been a while since I’ve seen them
under a Maxima, but IIRC there should be a hole directly below the drain
plug on the radiator designed so you can drain it without having to remove
them. That’s how most newer Nissans are, anyway.

Cathoryn says:

Problem: when driving, coolant sprays onto surface of engine. Anyone have
advice?

boredmder says:

Are you talking about one of the radiator hoses, or the hose to the
overflow?

boredmder says:

@jkk6 You won’t lose all that much from the trans cooler in the radiator,
but yes, you fill the trans fluid through the dipstick tube. I wouldn’t
expect more than half a quart, if that.

digitalbrush30 says:

How did you remove the air intake that sits on the passenger side of the
radiator? Mine is held down with on of those screws with the plastic that
splits when you screw it in. I’m not sure how to get that one screw off
without damaging stuff.

Rudolph Turnquest says:

Hey I have a question: How do you remove the blow out/filter thingy that
covers the top hose on the right of the radiator. I think its connected to
the filter or something. I remove the screws holding it down on the
radiator but I still can’t move it out of the way. (don’t know if I
explained that well enough)

boredmder says:

@Ruddboy00 After the two plastic body clips/screws are removed, it should
just wiggle out without much force. You will also have to disconnect the 90
deg pipe that connects the scoop to the resonator box under the battery
(though IIRC this depends on model year).

jkk6 says:

Awesome vid! Quick question for autos, the tranny fluid thats lost during
change do i refill? Can i top it off through dipstick hole. lol thanks

boredmder says:

@Cathoryn The most common place I’ve seen Nissan radiators fail is on the
backside, right under the filler neck (could be due to people putting too
much lateral force on the filler neck when removing/replacing the cap, who
knows). Check there for a hairline crack, it may not be easy to see at all.
If you can’t locate a leak yourself, take it to a shop and have the cooling
system pressure tested (and the cap checked or replaced).

boredmder says:

@1edgararias With the camera (getting it set up in the right places, trying
to keep good shots of everything, keeping out of its way, explaining what
I’m doing), probably about 2 hours. Just doing a radiator, probably 15 or
20 minutes start to finish.

boredmder says:

@digitalbrush30 Those can be a bit of a pain. If the entire thing spins
when you try a screwdriver, first you need to be using as little downward
force as possible while still turning the center screw, otherwise it will
never thread up and out. Holding the base while turning the center will
generally let them come all the way out. Failing that, I use a pick or a
pocket screwdriver to get up underneath the head of the center screw and
pry directly up.

clanserflave says:

what is the name of the hose coming from the top left of the radiator that
has a little knob on it that has the letter H on it called. This hose is
leaking coolant and I need to replace it. Thanks

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