2011 Radiator leaking

[flynbk473]

Somewhat of a tech question....radiator leaking on 2011 with 79,000 miles. Awful early in my opinion.....but my question is if I could have caused it. I cannot find where the leak is originating from but appears to be above drain plug under plastic cover.

I have changed oil on it many times. Drop back skid plate. Take out 4 screws on front skid plate and let hang down. Change filter with proper oil filter wrench. Could I have punctured something allowing skid plate to hang down while I changed the filter? I don't think so but of course girlfriend is blaming me because it started to leak a couple days after I changed the oil.

If I didn't cause it, it is frustrating to have to change radiator on a 4 year vehicle with 79,000 miles. Miles are mostly highway. I searched forum for any other having problems with radiator on 5th gen but didn't see any posts.

Any recommendation on aftermarket radiators I should consider? And any idea of cost of repair at the dealership? I am sure that will be pricey.....

Thanks.

 

[Engineer]

Well I agree with your search results, not heard of that failure. I think it is doubtful you would have damaged the radiator changing the oil and not known. Sure its possible but if you change your own oil you likely have some "common sense" and would likely have noticed. No idea on costs but I would start with

*OEM radiator from online dealer
*Aftermarket radiator (Rock Auto sells one for $212.79)
*Junkyard (rear end damage)
*Local Dealer costs

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Rather early for the radiator to go on a Toyota, any chance a rock took it out?

 

[motioneffects]

Ever Since.....



In all seriousness, probably something like a Rock, rock salt, sharp object,etc hit it.

 

[flynbk473]

Thanks for the replies.

Maybe a rock caused it. Hopefully, we will be able to tell when the radiator gets taken out.

Have to get some estimates today. I don't think I handle the job in the driveway! I am also concerned with all of the other stuff attached to the radiator...transmission cooler, ac stuff, etc.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

Thanks for the replies.

Maybe a rock caused it. Hopefully, we will be able to tell when the radiator gets taken out.

Have to get some estimates today. I don't think I handle the job in the driveway! I am also concerned with all of the other stuff attached to the radiator...transmission cooler, ac stuff, etc.

You may have it out already. I would pull the fan shrouds to provide better vision; then rent a cooling system pressure tester from one of the McParts places. See where the leak is actually coming from.

 

[flynbk473]

Decided to try and take out radiator myself based on forums of how easy it is on 4th gen.

5th gen must be different. Not too bad until you try to get the radiator to slide up and out of the radiator bracket. I have everything loose. Shroud pushed back out of the way, all lines, hoses and 4 bolts holding radiator off. Radiator will slide up about an inch but then hangs at the bottom on the radiator bracket. Tried everything to get it up and out.

So decide to try take off entire radiator bracket. But it appears it involves taking the entire grill along with front facia off to get to the two lower bolt heads facing towards the front. They are hidden behind a piece of plastic. I thought about just cutting the plastic but I do not think that will gain you access to the bolt heads due to being recessed in a metal cutout. You can get to the top two through opening next to the headlights. Again all 4 heads face towards the front. If the bolts heads were towards the engine, it would be easy.

I do not think I get the entire front facia and grill out. I am not sure how it all clips together.

Now truck is sitting with everything loose and I may have to put back together, put in antifreeze, and tad of transmission fluid and then drive it somewhere who can fix. Or get it towed.

So close to having it out. I did all of this outside laying on a tarp today in 40 degree weather. When I had it loose I was proud of myself. I thought it would just slide right out.

Frustrated to say the least.

 

[philsey]

Where are you in relation to HIGHTECH (see T4R sponsors, over in the RH margin)? They have a very good rep on here.

We could give a shoutout to [MENTION=99235]Scott@Hightech[/MENTION] -- see what happens.

 

[Scott@Hightech]

The radiator support does not need to come out. if its sliding up an inch that means you have it loose enough to come out. somewhere somehow something is catching. usually Toyotas have a little tang that slides into the rad support that holds the radiator in place before bolting it up. maybe that is what your hung up on.

Take your time be patient and rational. figure out what is causing the hold up before dismantling the whole truck.

 

[Jeremy556]

It looks like you will need to remove the bumper cover to get to the lower bolts. If you've gone as far as you say, the bumper cover really isn't that big of a deal to remove.

 

[phillyd2]

Don't cut the plastic. The bumper is pretty easy to remove. See the link below. Remove screws and Clips, pull a little to see what needs to be removed next. Repeat till bumper comes off.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...or-retrofit-installation-pics.html#post650654

 

[flynbk473]

thanks for all of the help/suggestions. I am in Southern VA. On VA/NC line and about 45 minutes north of Greensboro NC. I will try again tomorrow. Maybe a nights rest will help me even though it is suppose to be 21 in the morning! Might have to wait until the afternoon.....

I will first try to continue to slide it up and out as suggested by Scott. I will look for any tang that might be catching the radiator. The radiator looks too wide at bottom and as it slides up about an inch maybe inch and half, it hangs on the radiator support bracket.

If I cannot get it out, I will follow directions per Philly and Jeremy to take off grill and lower bumper cover to access those 2 lower radiator support bracket bolts.

I know I am close. Hate to put it all back together just to take somewhere. I can get an aftermarket radiator for about $175 or so.

Again thanks for all the help and suggestions. This forum rocks.

 

[Jeremy556]

This what you are hanging up on? Were you able to detach the upper and lower power steering lines? The upper one is in the upper right of the photo below, the bottom one is at the bottom left, front of radiator.
Depending on how your's is actually damaged, I would try to have it repaired before going with an aftermarket radiator.