Replacing the radiator on a VAZ-2104 car is necessary if the radiator is leaking or if the radiator cells are clogged with dirt and scale, and the radiator cannot perform its functions of cooling the engine. Replacing a radiator is not difficult and does not require any special skills.
It is necessary to replace the radiator on a VAZ - 2104 car on a completely cooled engine. This will eliminate the possibility of scalding with hot coolant. Before starting work, you need to prepare a suitable container for draining the antifreeze.
Required tool
In order to change the radiator of the engine cooling system on the VAZ-2104, you only need a few keys and a screwdriver:
- wrenches for 10, 13, 17 and 24;
- socket head for 10 and a ratchet with an extension;
- flat and Phillips screwdriver.
Since, most likely, the coolant has already exhausted its resource, it is better to immediately fill in a new fluid, purchasing for this a 10-liter canister of antifreeze or antifreeze.
Sequence of work
After the engine has cooled down completely, drain the coolant into a suitable container. It is strictly forbidden to drain the spent antifreeze or antifreeze onto the ground. Before draining the liquid, unscrew the caps on the filler neck of the radiator and the drain tank. Open the heater valve fully to drain the liquid from the stove radiator.
Next, use a 13 key to unscrew the drain plug on the engine block. If a brass radiator is installed on the car, then holding the fitting on the radiator with a 17 key, carefully unscrew the radiator drain plug with a 13 key.
On aluminum radiators, the drain plug is located on the right plastic tank, under the fan switch. If there is no plug, then the fan sensor is unscrewed to drain the liquid.
Disconnect the terminals and remove the battery from the vehicle. Remove the expansion tank. To do this, remove the pressure rubber band from the tank and, after heating, disconnect the plastic hose of the tank from the radiator. You can heat it by pouring boiling water or using a regular household hair dryer.
Then remove the plastic fan shield. If the vehicle has an electric fan, disconnect the wires from the fan and from the fan switch. Using a 10 key, unscrew the 3 bolts and remove the fan.
Unscrew the clamps and disconnect the upper and lower radiator pipes. Inspect the pipes, if they have cracks or they have lost elasticity, then the pipes must be replaced.
Socket head 10 and a ratchet with an extension, unscrew the bolts securing the radiator. Tilt the radiator towards the engine and lift it up from the engine compartment. On the aluminum radiator, remove the old rubber cushions from the seats.
Before installing a new radiator, re-install the fan switch removed from the old radiator and insert the rubber pads. A new radiator is usually equipped with new cushions and plugs. Before installing the upper and lower rubber pipes, lubricate the radiator pipes with sealant.
When installing the plastic expansion tank hose, it must be heated, the hose will soften and easily snap into place. Remember to screw the drain plugs back in place before filling with coolant.
After completing all installation work, start the engine and let it warm up until the fan turns on. The temperature gauge on the instrument panel should indicate normal temperature. Top up the expansion tank to the normal level if necessary.
