How to Replace Radiator 02-06 Nissan Altima

Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Nissan Altima

Replace the radiator, including the cooling fan, on a 2002-2006 Nissan Altima.

Steps

1. Drain the coolant

   Twist off the radiator and overflow bottle caps, remove the drain plug with a Phillips screwdriver, let it drain, then reinsert the plug.

2. Remove the radiator fan

   Pop the top cover's plastic clips, loosen the upper hose clamp and remove the hose, disconnect the fan's wiring, remove its two 10mm bolts, pull the lower hose off the fan, then lift the fan out.

3. Remove the old radiator

   Raise and support the car, remove the splash shield's plastic clips, loosen and disconnect the transmission fluid hoses (holding them up to avoid spills), disconnect the lower hose and the small top hose, remove the radiator bracket's two 10mm bolts, pull the brackets off, then lift the radiator out.

4. Install the new radiator

   Line up its locating pegs and push it down into place, refit the brackets and their bolts, reconnect the small top hose, the transmission fluid hoses and the lower radiator hose, then refit the splash shield and its clips.

5. Reinstall the fan

   Lower the car, push the fan into place on its tabs, clip the lower hose into it, insert its two 10mm bolts, reconnect the upper hose and its clamp, reconnect the wiring, then refit the top cover and its clips.

6. Refill the coolant

   Add coolant through a funnel, then refit both caps.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.