How to Replace a Radiator in a Nissan Maxima

It's essential to keep the radiator on your Nissan Maxima in good condition to keep your engine running smoothly. However, radiators can develop holes and corrode over time. If you're mechanically inclined, you can save money by replacing the radiator yourself. Although the process is essentially the same for any year or model, here's how to replace the radiator in the popular 2001 Maxima.

Things You'll Need

• Resealable container
• Replacement radiator hoses, if needed
• Replacement radiator
• Torque wrench
• Distilled water
• Engine coolant

Instructions

1. Drain the cooling system into a resealable container.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable and remove the coolant tank and bracket. Unscrew the bolts holding the upper mountain bracket, and remove the bracket.

3. Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses, and inspect them carefully. If they are cracked or worn, it's a perfect time to replace them. If your Maxima has oil cooler lines, remove them now. Remove both the cooling and condenser fans, along with the fan motors.

4. Lift the radiator carefully out of the engine.

5. Reinstall the new radiator. Reattach the fan motors and shields and the cooling and condensing fans, tightening the bolts according to specifications. Install the radiator hoses and the oil cooler lines, if applicable.

6. Reattach the radiator mounting brackets and the coolant tank, and torque the bolts according to specifications. Reattach the negative battery cable.

7. Fill the radiator with a mixture of half distilled water and half engine coolant, making sure it's filled to the proper level. Start the engine and let it run a couple of minutes, check the level again, and add more liquid, if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• You can reuse uncontaminated engine coolant. However, if you choose not to reuse it, take it to a garage or a hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.

• Always be sure the engine is cool before replacing the radiator. The steam and hot liquid can cause serious burns.

• Be sure to keep engine coolant in a sealed container out of the reach of children and pets. If any is spilled, clean it up immediately.