How to Replace a Radiator 2001-2006 Chevy Suburban or Truck

Quick tutorial on how to replace a radiator in a Chevy Suburban 2001-2006 model year. I'm not an expert but I want to show that even a novice can do it.

[@tylersanders6018]

That hose you referred to as an overflow hose is actually the drain hose for when you are draining the radiator. You simply pull it out of the plastic holder and point it down to the ground, open the drain petcock and it drains out through the hose. If you took the drain petcock completely out, that explains why you had a huge mess. Nonetheless, great video and very informative. Nice job.

[@homemadechow3532]

Thanks for the explanation Tyler. That makes so much sense. Proof that I'm no mechanic. LOL

[@nooffense1392]

If im changing the radiator out, i dont have to take the petcock out right??... I mean this radiator is coming completely out and new one in, i didn't see a reason to take the plug out.. I figured just taking the bottom hose loose and letting gravity do its job.. Or.. Am i wrong here..

[@JOKERBABYG]

Good video thanks for sharing 👍

[@michaelsanchez19831]

I have the same kind of crack in the exact same spot. This video was huge help in replacing my radiator. Thank you for posting!

[@homemadechow3532]

Thank you for watching. I'm glad it helped.

[@krisityourself4109]

Changing my radiator tomorrow, this is a great step by step. Pure gold!!

[@homemadechow3532]

Thanks. I hope your repair went well.

[@tylerpond1229]

Exact same crack in mine. Will be replacing once I find a new one. Extremely helpful, thank you!!

[@bonebizzil904]

Mine too. Right before memorial day 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Yahvid]

I have the exact same car, I will work on this step by step with my father this weekend with the same brand radiator your got, hopefully my car is back to normal after this. Thanks for your video.

[@Psycho--il4gs]

Changed my radiator today, it was spot on the way you did it step by step. Thanks a lot this was a big time $$ saver.

[@homemadechow3532]

Glad it helped

[@ertatta]

Excellent, thorough, & detailed! I really appreciate it.

[@Nadeli0]

Helped my dad and I change my grandma's radiator, which had the exact same problem, we had a few hiccups like we had a different air intake, and the left coolant pipe was stuck on one end because of corrosion, but it went fairly smooth because of your help. Thanks a ton man!

[@homemadechow3532]

Glad it went ok. The youtube community has helped me so much as well. Hope you have a great Christmas.

[@Nadeli0]

@@homemadechow3532 you too!

[@byron2332]

Might be obvious to other people, but I didn't tighten the bolt things at first where the metal tubes pop in. I thought they just popped in. So make sure you do that before you put the radiator in because it's harder once everything is hooked up. Thanks for the video! You helped me get to school!

[@sauce2306]

Thanks for sharing an explicit instructions video 👍

[@Andres_Elflako]

great video and informative way of showing how to remove it. Great Job!

[@savvyscheme6165]

This video helped me replace my radiator today. Thank you very much!

[@homemadechow3532]

Glad it was a help to you.

[@Timpoolsson]

This was super helpful. Thanks for all the tips!

[@peteperez7234]

Thank you for sharing your video. It helpful in changing my radiator.

[@waylonmartin5662]

Thanks. Mine was leaking in the same place. I do have a transmission cooler, oil cooler, and electric fans. Other than that, same swap. Appreciate the video.

[@roylawson7250]

You are the best I had no idea what I had in store for me,thank you

[@homemadechow3532]

Thanks for the reply. I hope your repair goes well.

[@Imustfly]

Well done sir ! Good instructional video !!

[@PiranhaNut]

Great video Thanks ! My son and I had the same problem as we were on our way to the lake w boat in tow.

[@donaldconroy4511]

Wife deserves a big hug and a nice night out

[@israelluna6478]

Thank u for this video it was so easy for me 🙏

[@rj8461]

Very helpful. But needs improvements. 1. Drain the radiator before you do any work. 2. To remove the lower fan shroud it needs to be rotated counterclockwise around the fan and adjusted slightly as you go. Be careful not to jerk it out hard as you may break the plastic fan blades. 3. Remove the lower transmission line tube 1st to allow easy access to the lower radiator tube clamp. 4. When re-installing the 2 transmission lines just push them into the new pre-clipped radiator connectors. They just snap in place. You do not need to removed the spring clips to install the lines. 5. The top plastic engine shroud does not have to be removed. 6. My new radiator does not have a functioning drain plug. It's sealed shut. Not needed.

[@OSCARANDRES039]

Wowww!! I've got the same crack in my radiator!! That is quite remarkable!! Way to go GM!!

[@johnnyrotten9757]

Just realized today I have the same one😂

[@ertatta]

Me too!!

[@ELove352]

Me Three 🤦🏿‍♂️😫😢

[@OSCARANDRES039]

Don't waste ur time money and effort trying to patch this. The best way to go is just replacing the radiator. It's quite simple to do. There's videos here on KZbin that can guide you. Just be sure to get the right radiator for your truck.

[@MrThoggs11]

Great Job brother, beautifully step by step and even over explaining for the slower learner's... Continue the great work you will soon have followers.. The you for the information..

[@jimmyflores8197]

Thanks for this video!!! Great help 👍

[@msas6020]

Quick Tip. The bottom of the fan guard, I found it's MUCH easier leaving it in. Just moving it out of the way so I can get to the hoses, then putting it back into place once I got the hoses attached to the new radiator. It didnt seem to prevent me from completing any of it. Thanks for the video though, saved me today when mine broke in the same spot as yours did. :)

[@homemadechow3532]

Thanks for the extra tip.

[@benkik9457]

Awesome video but a quick tip that little hose on the driver side is not a over flow. It’s a drain hose to drain the radiator there is a peacock you can turn to drain the radiator out nice and easy into bucket.

[@levesterjackson7579]

Hey your post was really helpful thanks. 🤙🏾

[@homemadechow3532]

Your welcome. Hope yours went well.

[@youronlyhereoncebigcat5310]

Mine cracked in the same spot,while towing.changing today.thanx big cat

[@502Chevy]

Great video! Just helped me a lot….

[@erickvallad4189]

Excellent video and I suggestion of putting the bottom cover first... I actually cut it in order to pull it out 😬

[@rudyrodriguez7681]

Thank you Very much that was very helpful

[@saludyvida7143]

Excellent job 👍👍👍

[@ulyssesmcqueen2588]

Great video 👍

[@toddwaldner8394]

Nice video. Doing this tomorrow but I won't be removing top shroud. And when everything is undone I will be cleaning throttle body, maf sensor and reservoir tank and while hoses are off and installing brand new rad I will replace thermostat also

[@wadewilson1977]

Thanks man!!

[@rosario1979able]

thanks for the video

[@user-op9ud9zh6i]

Good job describing how to access the transmission line keepers under the plastic retaining caps! I was looking at those and wondering. Also, mine has the 8.1 L engine which has the other side transmission line set. Same issue with the retaining clips. I was wondering if you replaces any o-rings for those lines?

[@olderrol1968]

Thank you. 👍

[@sarahromero8489]

Do I need to add trans oil after unplugging the lines?

[@reynaldovargas3570]

Thanks good video i have the same problem

[@noegarcia8330]

Good job

[@DavidSmith-ke1xb]

Thanks for sharing

[@jeremymcglothlin5784]

I have an 01 silverado 5.3L v8 . I'm not sure what size radiator to order because I have the exact same crack.

[@Anthony-eg7pw]

When taking those metal transmission lines off will I lose and trans fluid?

[@braxpoopy]

Nice video. Exact same crack, same vehicle. Do you put coolant directly into the new radiator itself then add more to the reservoir once the vehicle is up to temp?

[@tonycastro6154]

tnx for video,,,i always laugh when i hear people complain about car when they brake down,,,like some comments here faulting gm,,,fkn lol,,,its a fkn 20 year old car, depending when you bought it,,,,,mines a 01,,,i cant complain at this point if it start breaking down,,,sht its better than my 16 tahoe,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@TatMANIA0722]

What’s the size on that radiator? I have a 2002 Chevy Tahoe LT 5.3 V8

[@janabrown96]

Did you have to put more transmission fluid in?

[@martinlandaverde403]

Do you test or change your thermostat,I think for the price of the thermostat that will be a good time to change it,thanks for the video really explanatory.

[@ericrangel8653]

Since we disconnect the transmission coolant line do I have to refill my transmission fluid?

[@homemadechow3532]

You may have to add transmission fluid if you lost some with the removal of the radiator. I had to add about a pint.

[@rolla.18s87]

Is this the same for a 2500hd 6.0??

[@loopedoutmtb3458]

My 2006 Chevy truck did not have a pet cock and the lower radiator hose was attached with a spring clip. Different engines and transmissions may result in variances to complete this job.

[@jayharris611]

Your video gave me confidence I could do it. After 11/2 hours I was done. Saw a leak but it was overflow no problems

[@rickadame7909]

Thank you. Also you said, it took 8 liters to fill. When it cooled down ,what was the over all, amount of fluid you used?

[@lnav7793]

Roughly 3½ gallons or 14.3 quarts is called for the 5.3 liter v8 1500 suburban

[@dianaespinoza4188]

I need to know how to remove that clip where the sheath is on the hose!! That is holding down my air intake and attaches the hose in Place too.

[@maddogg_miggye4l399]

Did you have to add more transmission fluid in before starting or did you just put coolant in

[@heathenkill1]

FLY EAGLES FLY

[@dalionkeyng3476]

Good question

[@EdwardSadzewicz]

How did you determine it was the crack that seems to be happening on this type of vehicle? I have a 2001 Silverado 1500 LS 5.3L V8. I have a mystery leak that maybe originating where you pointed. I replaced the heater core 2 years ago myself over 2 days. This video looks like it is a great help to do this.

[@homemadechow3532]

Sorry for my long delay. I could see the spray coming out of the radiator. Also, there will be some residue on the radiator where a crack will be from the fluid leaking out and drying up.

[@EdwardSadzewicz]

@@homemadechow3532 Thanks! I inspected all the fittings and just couldn't figure out where the leak is. The best I could tell was toward the top on the driver side. I'm up to almost a quart of coolant for 500 miles, so it is getting worse. Would be a perfect moment to put in new hoses too. I have about 220,000 miles. Looks to be a bit tricky to be sure I buy the right radiator first. I love the rockauto.com, but sizes are being a little different. Best to remove what I can to measure. Thanks!

[@LM-rk3nm]

God. So talkative. Everyone knows how to take out a hose/ screw.

[@Defund_HOA.]

Do you have to flush the radiator beforehand & bleed it afterwards?

[@homemadechow3532]

Sorry for the delay. If you're refering to the new radiator, there should be no need to flush it or bleed it. Once installed, you fill it to the top, crank the motor and let it run till the engine warms up, then top the fluid off again. This should get rid of all the air in the radiator and lines.

[@margiehill7251]

Got a number on that radiator you installed? Trying to find right one for a 2001 tahoe.

[@homemadechow3532]

I wish I did. I thought I saved it. If you go to rock auto and put in the year make and model, you can find the right one I'm sure

[@YIBUSA]

Great video, could you help me identify the hose at 19:18? Thanks!

[@djrockwell5722]

Did you have to replace some transmission fluid? And if so how much did u use. I'm in the process of of my radiator. Delivery is tomorrow

[@homemadechow3532]

I didn't have to add any transmission fluid. I made sure that no fluid other than coolant didn't spill out. However, it's a good time to check the level of your transmission fluid after you complete the radiator replacement.

[@Swanlord05]

Check that trans fluid

[@aleczandernewton9829]

How long did the whole process take? I literally just hit a bad pothole and had my radiator crack

[@kellyharper6977]

Depending on the tools on hand..2 hours

[@aleczandernewton9829]

@@kellyharper6977 lol I replaced it last summer only took me about an hour or so hardest part was waiting for it to drain

[@kellyharper6977]

@@aleczandernewton9829 yup...I couldn't just go at it all at once..bad back n shoulder slowed me

[@cathoschizolifter]

How in the hell were you able to get the bottom fan shroud out? I'm changing my radiator right now and I still can't get the shroud out

[@homemadechow3532]

That is a bit tricky for sure. I wish I could explain it, but there is a specific way to twist it and get it around the fan blades. Next challenge is putting it back in without damaging the new radiator.

[@capostrength3908]

What’s the hose at 10:55 called?

[@FM-Patriot]

1 observation. If you put the bottom fan cover in BEFORE you put in the new radiator, then that means you do not have to take it out in the first place. Just leave it in and push it back towards the fan to get the old radiator out.

[@user-xm8vv2wz6l]

Is there a part number for the radiator..and where did u get it

[@homemadechow3532]

Sorry for my slow response. I just bought this on the internet I believe from Rock Auto. They make sure you get the right part.

[@tonysmith1766]

Can I use this video on a 2006 Tahoe?

[@homemadechow3532]

I wish I can answer that with certainty but I cant. Based on my limited knowledge I really feel it should be the same.

[@kellyharper6977]

Yup

[@dutch971]

What year truck is this, 99-02 but which one?

[@homemadechow3532]

this one is a 2001

[@richharp2915]

Is the escalade radiator the same?

[@homemadechow3532]

I'm not sure. I hope someone can reply to this and let you know. Sorry

[@JE-lr5nb]

Hey! Don't forget to top off your transmission fluid

[@can.evans08]

Is this process near the same for a 6.0l vortec

[@can.evans08]

Idk if I accidentally included time with comment I didn't mean to do that

[@homemadechow3532]

I wish I could answer that question. I'm not a certified mechanic. Maybe someone in the KZbin community can answer for you.

[@yashuawinn2129]

Where u located?

[@ceedavis5178]

How long would this have taken you without making the video?…straight labor? I do appreciate the video tho. I like that you used regular tools instead of fancy tech tools.

[@homemadechow3532]

I would guess it would take me about 2 hours. I'm definately not a pro. LOL

[@javaryjackson8647]

Mine in the same spot

[@itsmedave1969]

Could I use this video for a 2001 Tahoe?

[@homemadechow3532]

I believe so.

[@msas6020]

Yes, we have one and everything in his video was the same.

[@gageb556]

Same spot

[@kellyharper6977]

2 3/4 gallons is how much antifreeze mine took ..FYI...

[@gbenz6494]

Where did you buy the radiator?

[@johngrepo9976]

Got mine from autozone, $245..

[@homemadechow3532]

Online at rock auto

[@TomMack530]

Where to get the radiator from???

[@homemadechow3532]

I believe I ordered it on RockAuto.com

[@B_HarTz]

How many times does he say radiator ?

[@Nadeli0]

I think about 27 times

[@snowsurfr]

37

[@martinlandaverde403]

LOL😂 same spot my have the same crack.

[@user-Ou8onetwo.]

I messed up. I pulled the transmission thinking it was the radiator. Help!!!!

[@user-ev3xm7np8x]

Wow did not realize how many people get the same crack. Seems like there my or should be a recall

[@gdub2812]

Covered EVERYTHING except how to replace those clips you took off. I can't for the life of me get them back on

[@jaccourt9531]

didn't talk about burbing the air out of the radiator

[@captzoom1778]

That's exactly where my crack is plastic and aluminum I don't get it but go ahead I'll finish watching the video now

[@kendradaar8795]

Should had covered that those fucking springs on the hydraulic hoses are next to impossible to replace!

[@juanveranes]

Español

[@keving1774]

Too bad they don't make them out of all metal, no plastic. Thank You

[@homemadechow3532]

I agree. They don't make em like they used too

[@kenuber4766]

Can we watch the ole lady wax the boat instead?

[@oklahomamedia5299]

Dude we are here for the radiator not your boat smh

[@martesmywhat1920]

""THIS IS NOT HOW""!!!! don't waste time here. !!

[@homemadechow3532]

Worked for me. Still going strong

[@skking3092]

27 minutes long and doesn't even show all the steps wastes 10 mins at end