VW Jetta 07 Radiator

wclarke20

Hi all,
I noticed that my coolant is draining out fully over a 2-3 day period this week. No apparent leaks from any hoses or waterpump but the radiator is wet which would indicate a leak/damage.

I do most of the running repairs on cars with the exception of the timing belt but i've never tackled a radiator change.
My question is - is it difficult to change the radiator or would a mechanic be recommended?

thanks

George Dalton

They are a common problem on the Golf 5 based cars. Easy to change.

wclarke20

George Dalton wrote: »

They are a common problem on the Golf 5 based cars. Easy to change.

Heard that alright. Any idea why?

George Dalton

There must be poor quality alloy in them because they just seem to corrode very badly.

couldntthink

I,ve seen a lot of these radiators leaking due to wear from the radiator fan wiring loom. it runs too close to the rad and chafes through.

I wouldn't say it's a handy job for an amateur.

It's not major work but you need to remove the front nose of the car and then remove the radiator/ac/intercooler rad/s.

swhyte027

It's more time consuming I'd second the fact that it's a common prob I only fitted one for a customer sat.but if I was you to be sure I'd have the coolent system pressure tested.also if u do end up changing the rad yourself make sure you bleed the cooling system properly and use the right coolent.sometimes you could have hassle bleeding her if your unfimiliar with the set up.

wclarke20

I'm confident enough of removing it and replacing but, like you said, it's the bleeding of the system I'm uncertain about. Was quoted €450 by the main dealers so I'm not so keen on that.
I'll see what Google has to offer for that.

George Dalton

There is usually no problem with refilling the cooling system on these.

If you aren't confident that you can do the job then why not get some prices off independent garages in your area? The main dealer is obviously going to be the most expensive option so their price of €450 shouldn't be taken as your only option.

couldntthink

wclarke20 wrote: »

I'm confident enough of removing it and replacing but, like you said, it's the bleeding of the system I'm uncertain about. Was quoted €450 by the main dealers so I'm not so keen on that.
I'll see what Google has to offer for that.

No hassle what so ever in filling the coolant system.

Fill it up, run it with the heater on for about 5 mins, not even that long.

Take it for a short drive, check it, and it will prob take another half to one litre.

There is nothing to filling the coolant. You have nothing to worry about.

wclarke20

couldntthink wrote: »

No hassle what so ever in filling the coolant system.

Fill it up, run it with the heater on for about 5 mins, not even that long.

Take it for a short drive, check it, and it will prob take another half to one litre.

There is nothing to filling the coolant. You have nothing to worry about.

Cheers - and if it has to be bled?

couldntthink

wclarke20 wrote: »

Cheers - and if it has to be bled?

It won't have to be bled as such. It bleeds itself. Just fill it after fitting the rad, let it run and keep topping it up until it's stable at the max mark. Then it will take a short drive of about 1-2 km for the last bit of air to come out, it won't be much, only about a litre at most.

wclarke20

Changed the radiator this morning. Not a difficult job at all. Filled it up with coolant, turned the car on and topped it up. It's stable now. Took it for a test drive but the heater in the car is only blowing cold air. Could there. Be air in the system?