Astra T - Radiator removal

[ArdenBlue]

Guys,

The wife decided to do some 'panel beating' to the front of her Astra T, and managed to put a crack in the radiator . It looks like the A/C compressor has been pushed into the radiator and cracked it somewhere low down. There is only a small mark on the front bar and no other visible damage.

Has anyone removed/replaced the radiator from an Astra T (2003 model)? Is it an easy job? I have removed the front bar and disconnected the intercooler, but would prefer to hear from someone that has done it before I continue.

Cheers

Warning: This is an Old Thread This discussion is older than 120 days. information contained in it may no longer be current . Please think of the children before resurrecting this ancient thread!

[Shaun]

My dad and i have replaced mine. have to pull the reinforcement panel off on the front. takes about about an 2 hours if i remember correctly to pull apart. and is a bit of a **** job from memory. but cheaper then getting holden to do it.

[ArdenBlue]

Thanks Shaun

Time it takes doesn't really bother me, its getting it all back together without any bits that won't go back on. But if it's 2 hours, I'd be pretty happy.

I just got hold of the service and repair manual - it doesn't look too bad. Here are the steps in case any body else ever tries this:

Remove battery and battery carrier
Remove air cleaner housing
Remove front panelling (i.e. bumper bar)
Remove fan housing with fan motor
Detach compensation tank coolant hose from radiator.
Secure radiator to upper brackets
Detach coolant line bracket from lower radiator bracket.
Detach lower radiator bracket from front axle body – note dissimilar brackets.
Detach condenser from radiator – attach condenser to front panel.
Release radiator and remove downwards.
If present: Remove surrounding seal between radiator and condenser.
Note: The surrounding seal is not re-installed and must therefore be disposed

[VioSpeed]

Thanks Shaun

Time it takes doesn't really bother me, its getting it all back together without any bits that won't go back on. But if it's 2 hours, I'd be pretty happy.

I just got hold of the service and repair manual - it doesn't look too bad. Here are the steps in case any body else ever tries this:

Remove battery and battery carrier
Remove air cleaner housing
Remove front panelling (i.e. bumper bar)
Remove fan housing with fan motor
Detach compensation tank coolant hose from radiator.
Secure radiator to upper brackets
Detach coolant line bracket from lower radiator bracket.
Detach lower radiator bracket from front axle body – note dissimilar brackets.
Detach condenser from radiator – attach condenser to front panel.
Release radiator and remove downwards.
If present: Remove surrounding seal between radiator and condenser.
Note: The surrounding seal is not re-installed and must therefore be disposed

Going through a radiator replacement this weekend and when I read this I thought this was some sick joke lol until i stumbled across this:

http://workshop-manuals.com/vauxhall...nditioning%29/

I replaced a radiator on a Toyota a few years ago and it was so easy compared to all this

[adam_92]

This thread was from 2006. Pleade check the dates mate. Im sure they have replaced the radiator within the last 8 years

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

[VioSpeed]

in the middle of removing the radiator and just wanting more information on what this is for as I need to unscrew it. When I started to unscrew it a pressurised white smoke starting coming out so I quickly tightened the nut back up.

[guy 27]

thats your aircon condenser. You will now need to get the system regassed (as well as get the o-ring that is in that location replaced)
There is no need to undo any hoses from the aircon system.

[VioSpeed]

hmm that sucks So even if it was only loosened for 2 secs it's gone? How much does it cost to regas it?

[guy 27]

depending where you go could be anywhere from $30 to $100.

Its a high pressure closed system. it will have lost a lot of pressure.

[VioSpeed]

ok thanks, So If I'm trying to take the old radiator off do i need to hold the condenser up somehow as it the only thing holding it up is the radiator mounting