This procedure covers removal and replacement of the radiator on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including coolant drainage, hose disconnection, and fan assembly removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Radiator drain plug washer/O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper radiator hose clamp × 1 — Replace if corroded
• Lower radiator hose clamp × 1 — Replace if corroded
• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) × 1 — 00272-SLLC2

Fluids

• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 2 hours since last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
4. Remove engine splash shields and under covers using 10mm socket
5. Place large drain pan under radiator drain location
6. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent cooling fan activation

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Remove radiator cap slowly to release any residual pressure. Locate drain petcock on driver's side lower corner of radiator. Open drain petcock by turning counterclockwise and drain coolant into drain pan. Once drained, reinstall drain petcock finger tight with new washer/O-ring.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Locate upper radiator hose connection at radiator inlet (passenger side top). Use hose clamp pliers or flathead screwdriver to release clamp and slide away from radiator neck. Twist hose gently while pulling to break seal and remove from radiator. Plug opening with clean rag to prevent debris entry.
   ⚠Residual coolant will drain from hose. Keep drain pan positioned to catch spillage.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove lower radiator hose
   From underneath vehicle, locate lower radiator hose connection at radiator outlet (driver side bottom). Release hose clamp and slide away from neck. Twist and pull hose to remove from radiator. Allow remaining coolant to drain into pan.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines (if equipped with automatic transmission)
   Locate transmission cooler line fittings on driver's side of radiator (two metal lines). Place shop towels around fittings to catch ATF spillage. Use 14mm wrench to loosen cooler line fittings and disconnect from radiator. Cap open lines immediately with plastic caps or tape to prevent contamination. Expect approximately 1-2 oz of ATF loss.
   ℹ️Some ATF will drain from lines. This is normal and does not require refilling if loss is minimal.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connector
   From engine bay, locate cooling fan motor electrical connector on fan shroud. Press release tab and disconnect electrical connector. Secure wiring harness away from radiator removal path.
6. 6

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Remove upper fan shroud mounting bolts (typically three bolts at top of shroud) using 10mm socket. Remove lower fan mounting bolts using 10mm socket. Carefully lift cooling fan and shroud assembly straight up and out of engine bay as a complete unit. Set aside in safe location.
   ⚠Fan blades can be damaged easily. Handle assembly carefully and do not set down on fan blades.
7. 7

   Remove radiator upper brackets
   Locate radiator upper mounting brackets on both sides of radiator top. Remove mounting bolts securing brackets to radiator support using 10mm socket. Remove brackets and set aside. Note orientation for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove radiator assembly
   Verify all hoses, lines, and electrical connections are disconnected. Carefully lift radiator straight up and out of engine bay. Radiator sits on lower rubber isolators - tilt top toward engine slightly while lifting to clear condenser. Remove lower rubber mounting cushions from radiator if they remain attached and inspect for damage.
   ⚠Take care not to damage AC condenser fins located directly in front of radiator during removal.
9. 9

   Prepare new radiator
   Inspect new radiator for shipping damage. Install lower rubber mounting cushions onto new radiator lower mounting tabs if not pre-installed. Verify drain petcock is closed. Transfer any reusable brackets or hardware from old radiator if not included with new unit.
10. 10

    Install new radiator
    Carefully lower new radiator into position, guiding lower mounting cushions into frame mounting holes. Tilt top away from engine to clear AC condenser. Ensure radiator sits flush on lower mounts and aligns with upper bracket holes.
11. 11

    Install upper mounting brackets
    Position upper mounting brackets on both sides of radiator. Install mounting bolts and torque to specification. Ensure brackets do not bind and radiator has slight movement on rubber isolators.
    ⚠Do not overtighten plastic mount bolts. Use torque wrench to prevent cracking mounting ears.
    Torque spec

    Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall cooling fan assembly
    Lower cooling fan and shroud assembly into position over radiator. Align lower mounting points first, then upper mounting holes. Install all fan mounting bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect cooling fan electrical connector until it clicks.
13. 13

    Reconnect all hoses and lines
    Connect lower radiator hose to radiator outlet, ensuring hose seats fully onto neck. Position clamp over hose on radiator neck and tighten to specification. Connect upper radiator hose to radiator inlet and secure with clamp torqued to specification. If equipped with automatic transmission, reconnect transmission cooler lines and torque fittings to specification.
    Torque spec

    Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

    Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Refill cooling system
    Fill radiator slowly with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink) premixed 50/50 until coolant reaches radiator neck. Install radiator cap. Fill coolant reservoir to MAX cold line. Start engine and allow to warm to operating temperature with heater on maximum. Monitor coolant level and add as needed. Run engine until cooling fan cycles on at least once. After engine cools, recheck coolant level and top off reservoir to MAX line.
    ⚠Burping cooling system is critical. Failure to properly bleed air can cause overheating. Monitor temperature gauge closely during initial test drive.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine under covers and splash shields with appropriate fasteners
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands
4. Check ground under vehicle for any coolant or ATF leaks
5. Dispose of old coolant at proper recycling facility

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks from radiator, hoses, or transmission lines
• Verify cooling fan operates when engine reaches operating temperature
• Check coolant level in reservoir after engine reaches full operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle and monitor temperature gauge for normal operation (approximately halfway between C and H)
• After first drive cycle, recheck coolant level when engine is cold and top off if needed
• Inspect all connection points for seepage after 24 hours of operation

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