OEM 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Radiator

2006 Chevrolet Malibu Radiator Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the radiator on 2006 Chevrolet Malibu?

  A: The first task for Radiator replacement (L61) demands complete coolant drainage. Security precautions begin by taking out both the left headlamp and then proceeding to remove the right headlamp. Secure two pieces of rope to the absorbent tabs of the condenser before threading them under the upper tie bar. The task involves removing both upper Radiator support bracket bolts and upper Radiator support brackets. Using the hose clamp pliers (J 38185) reposition the Radiator outlet hose clamp at the Radiator before removing the outlet hose from the Radiator. Using hose clamp pliers (J 38185) reposition the Radiator inlet hose clamp at the Radiator before removing the hose from the Radiator. Lift up the vehicle and eliminate the lower Radiator air deflector retainers while taking away both the lower Radiator air deflector. The technician should eliminate right front fender liner and right Radiator air deflector retainers while removing right Radiator air deflector. Proceed to uninstall both the left Radiator air deflector retainers before removing the left Radiator air deflector. A drain pan should be placed to catch transmission oil cooler pipes while removing the transmission oil cooler pipes attachment nut from the transmission followed by the transmission oil cooler pipes from the transmission. Lower Radiator support brackets and their bolts need removal along with the Radiator lower mounting supports. You must first discard the condenser mounting bolts before raising the Radiator and simultaneously applying downward pressure to release the condenser tabs from Radiator clips. In order to proceed with this operation you must discard the condenser mounting nuts which are attached to the Radiator and remove the air side seals on the Radiator. Start by unplugging the Radiator assembly and separation of the cooling Fan Shroud and transmission oil cooler pipe assembly before removing transmission oil cooler pipes from their Radiator location. You need to pry upward on the Fan Shroud tabs attached to the Radiator clips to take off the cooling fan assembly along with the shroud from the Radiator. Begin installation by mounting the cooling fan with shroud assembly on to the Radiator while snapping its Fan Shroud tabs into the Radiator clips. Install the transmission oil cooler pipes to the Radiator before installing the Radiator and finally the cooling Fan Shroud together with the transmission oil cooler pipe assembly. Place the Radiator air side seals on the condenser mounting tabs before you install them into the Radiator while using the special bolts as they provide necessary length to avoid damage. Replace the condenser mounting bolts as well as nuts before inserting the condenser mounting tabs into Radiator clips and tightening bolts to 6 nm (53 inch lbs.). The Radiator air side seals should be carefully bent into shape before inserting them inside the intake air splash shield channels to maintain correct airflow patterns. The Radiator lower mounts require replacement in pairs because this prevents vibration before you install the lower Radiator support brackets and their corresponding bolts which need to be tightened to 60 nm (44 ft. Lbs.). Fasten the transmission oil cooler pipes attachment nut to the transmission while tightening it to 7 nm (62 inch lbs.). First install both left and right Radiator air deflectors with their retainers before adding the right front fender liner to the vehicle. After installing the lower Radiator air deflector and its retainers the service must drop the vehicle and guide the Radiator inlet hose to the corresponding Radiator port. Use the hose clamp pliers (J 38185) to reposition the Radiator inlet hose clamp at the Radiator before installing the Radiator outlet hose and repositioning its clamp at the Radiator using the same tool. Detach the rope from the condenser and upper tie bar before installing both upper Radiator support brackets. Tighten the screw which attaches the upper bracket while avoiding any bracket twisting to minimize vibration then bolt on the upper Radiator support brackets by torquing them to 10 nm (89 inch lbs.). The last procedures involve mounting the right and left headlamps and performing coolant addition and transmission fluid level inspection.