im here to tell you (if someone on the Tube hasnt already told you) that the front end removal was not necessary. all you had todo was remove the exhaust manifold (since its a transverse engine) and drop the cat. to the floor and the fan shroud assembly comes out first then the radiator. It was nice of you to make a video of YOUR way of doing it but man thats alot more work.
I guess doing the exhaust removal was an option but I've done exhaust removals and if you've ever broke off a rusted bolt, it's not fun to fix. But I agree with you that it was an option. I just felt that the front end removal was far less risky. Thanks for you feed back. This is exactly the kind of insight I had hoped this video would create. This gives people options. Thank you.
Not here in upstate ny its not quicker. Here we dont touch exhaust manifold bolt unless we absolutley have to. It requires oxy acetelyne torches and lots of swearing. Simple jobs in non rust belt are alot different here.
@@SReed-zp3uo That sounds a lot more efficient for me, half my exhaust is gone from a moron running a stop sign and T-Boning me and the curb ripped it off. Limmeny Snickets
S. Reed THANK YOU. You are a great help! A side note for anybody draining coolant; it is on the driver side tucked away under the headlight. Access is only from under the car, and it is a plastic screw with tabs. Good luck! It is very difficult to see, but find it once and find it always.
You poor man. You did tons of steps that were not needed. I appreciate the video though. I took mine to a mechanic and paid $540. Worked great for a year. Went to jack the car up from the front cross member and the car slid off the jack and ruined the radiator and condensor. $740 later it's good again. Now I have a coolant leak and I think it's the radiator. I'm sure the mechanic will back his work. What a pain. 251k miles on my 05. These are Damn good engines.
Yeah I just did my Malibu 2007, remove lots of thing and put it back together , this is the second time I change the radiator. Replace all hoses thermostat, temperature sensor, reservoir cap, serpentine belt ..it took me longer clean the parts degreasing Then actually putting it back together. It's really time consuming but you save a lot of money
Please note.... Nowhere in this video did I say to remove fenders! To get the bumper cover off, you'll need to remove a few screws from the fenders, but the fenders will stay on the car! Also, if you get the sense that I was just complaining, keep in mind that I was fairly frustrated by the time I made the video. Thank you to those that left kind words. Much appreciated.
So yes it is extensive, but fairly minor mechanical experience is required...just follow this removal video...I separated the Radiator/Cooling fan apart and both AC condenser and Radiator lift out...they are connected with 2 x 10mm bolts and slide clips...Amazon has all OEM parts or referenced parts per GM part #. Splash guard removal is annoying. 2 hour removal - 45 min install.
Remove bumper.Remove lines for radiator. Lift up radiator .unbolt 2 10m bolts on condenser. Take off 13m ac line from condenser. Remove hood latch bolts. Pull everything out. All that extra shit not needed.
the radiator gets removed through the bottom along with the fan. it sits on two removable brackets on the bottom. several gm cars are set up in a similar way. they are a real pain in the ass but as a mechanic it pays really well. if you have an ac machine, this job goes that much faster
It turns out that it's easier to disconnect the transmission fluid lines from the transmission itself than it is from the radiator. Those lines are pressed into the transmission and held in place by a single bracket with a single nut. Simply undo the nut and pry the bracket a bit and the lines pop out. Just leave them attached to the radiator as you pull it out, there is no need to ever remove them from the radiator. Definitely a pain in the butt job that takes about all day. Also, for anyone else reading this, I found there are 2 -10 mm bolts that connect the condenser to the radiator, one on the left and one on the right that need to be removed to get the radiator out. Don't even bother trying to disconnect the fan assembly until you take the radiator out. You're going to have to take it out anyway. I had the fan assembly disconnected before taking the radiator out, there's simply no way to get the assembly out. Too much stuff in the way. You're left with no choice but to remove the radiator, which means taking out the headlights and the bumper as well.
So would you say I would have to remove the whole front end, in order to remove and replace the radiator? My neighbor his the ditch on a weekend, and cracked her radiator bad. I haven't found any other videos of a 2005 Malibu, dealing with the cooling system.
you have to remove the front bumper, the front fender, the hood cover, your front wheels(recommend getting two jacks that can hold your car up), and that's how far ive gone so far
Pretty much. Primarily the full front plastic bumper assembly and headlights. The video shows a pic of how far down I had to go with the disassembly. It is a fair amount of work but it's doable if you know your way around a car. If it's you cooling fan that's having a problem, you may want to double check that it's getting proper power. Check the connectors etc. My problem was that one of the motors was dying and would start up properly causing it to run hot at the long stop lights etc. Best of luck.
I actually did this and completed it for my neighbor. I did not have to remove the front bumper cover, nor any of the fenders. I did remove both headlights and the grille along with the plastic pieces behind the grille. I didn't have to remove the fans nor the ac condenser, I just unbolted them from the radiator, removed the transmission lines and slid the radiator right out. Then reversed the process, and I'm happy to say my neighbor is pleased. Back to new if not better!
I came to a place where i dint know whats next in removing bumper. I removed the body plugs out and removed the three bolts. There is a long threaded bolt that fastens the plastic chrome piece that i think has the chevy emblem on it thT i didnt remove cus i didnt know if i needed to. Do those plastic plugs in plastic ontop need to be removed. Yeah i wish there was a tutorial on this
i need to remove the cooling fan from my Malibu 2005 i think its the same setup as the 2004 i had a question how did you get the fan out from the side or the top?
never took any front aparts off just removed head lights to see better then removed brackets on the bottom and and disconect hoses and trany lines drops strait out bottom then 2 10 mil bolts holding AC rad to coolant rad at bottom slid out old rad and wiggled in new one and reversed the prosses cost was $100 plus tax at the wreckers for rad..... and a jug of antifreeze .. used the same clips on trany line ..O ring wont fall out there fine unless one of the lines are leaking then replace the o rings
There's no way around it, you have to remove the bumper cover, the front fascia and they tubing that goes into the MAF. One must drop the bumper cover and remove the bottom under car shield if equipped, then the plastic covering by the hood latch and both headlamps. Jack the car up, loosen the upper retaining brackets of the radiator, remove condenser and then radiator. After that is done there should be some free space to access the cooling fans, take your time and unplug the harness as well as fuses. Unbolt the screws the hold the fans in place either remove from bottom or top- which ever is easier, for me it was the bottom. Reverse procedure to install everything back after you have tested the fans with the bumper off. Hopefully this helps. I just replaced my radiator, and cooling fans after hitting a way on a freeway going 62mph. The car took two months to put back together but it is possible, then again I'm a backyard mechanic so I'm well versed with cars, especially GM vehicles.
Funny, I swapped out the radiator on mine without removing the bumper cover or the wheels. You are all doing WAY too much work for something so simple. Get a damn repair manual lol.
That was basically everything I already knew. Exception: extra clips} But I didn't see a "tutorial-ish" video. You kept going on and on about "...novice" this and that, but I gotta say Farmer Reed, some of us have other obligations, and can't afford the $700 at the moment. I swear the Universe is against me, because this is one of a vast many improbabilities in my life, this one just happened to occur on the day I was laid-off, Full-time student, and THEE absolute biggest raccoon on Earth (approx. 50lbs easy) came out of thin air, phase shifted through the grill and bumper, missing the air bag trigger and completely destroyed my radiator and cool fans. My ex used to think my 'Limmeny Snickets" events were of my own device... she doesn't anymore. So enough of my ranting, I just wanted to see the steps you went through to avoid as many headaches as possible, and save $450 so I can feed my two ravenous teenage sons.
I need a video that shows how to re-install all the splash guards that I took out to change my A/C condenser for a 2005 Malibu Maxx. I have two that I don't recall how they fit. I should have taken pictures as I disassembled it, I know.
I'm a big fan of taking pics before any disassembly job. You may be able to google image search for those to see existing pics. Sorry I don't have any myself.
Lajuana, you are correct. I specifically did not want anyone to think this was a tutorial video. I really just wanted to point out some of the struggles I encountered. I work on cars all the time and I'm a fan of good engineering. Sorry if it came across as just complaining. But I guess I was a bit frustrated by the time I got the job done. I hope the video helps anyone that is considering taking on a job like this on their 2004 Malibu. Thanks for you feed back.
@@SReed-zp3uo Well shit, Farmer Reed... That would've saved me a shit-ton knowing this wasn't a tutorial. Instead of "NOT COMPLETE" tutorial, next time just lead with that in the video itself because I didn't have my reading glasses on to read the small stuff.
3hr 30 min job for me and im a hack mechanic. I did thermostat and water pump at the same time. Took the trans cooler lines off at the radiator not the transmission which was a piece of cake. Theres a lil rubber cap over where the spring clips reside. when you get the new radiator these come preinstalled just push the pipe back on and yer done. This is a dooable job
RobST...I did same as you headlights & grill ONLY came right out Remove & Replace 1hr. removed fenders & all the front end? LOLOLO..Yeah just PAY & Do yourself a favor
The Malibu Maxx is one of the most Underrated vehicles. This car is tough as shit and and even faster. It also came with the SS option as well. I really like this Grocery Getter, and she's been good to me. Just beat up now.
im here to tell you (if someone on the Tube hasnt already told you) that the front end removal was not necessary. all you had todo was remove the exhaust manifold (since its a transverse engine) and drop the cat. to the floor and the fan shroud assembly comes out first then the radiator. It was nice of you to make a video of YOUR way of doing it but man thats alot more work.
I guess doing the exhaust removal was an option but I've done exhaust removals and if you've ever broke off a rusted bolt, it's not fun to fix. But I agree with you that it was an option. I just felt that the front end removal was far less risky. Thanks for you feed back. This is exactly the kind of insight I had hoped this video would create. This gives people options. Thank you.
Not here in upstate ny its not quicker. Here we dont touch exhaust manifold bolt unless we absolutley have to. It requires oxy acetelyne torches and lots of swearing. Simple jobs in non rust belt are alot different here.
@@SReed-zp3uo That sounds a lot more efficient for me, half my exhaust is gone from a moron running a stop sign and T-Boning me and the curb ripped it off. Limmeny Snickets
S. Reed THANK YOU. You are a great help! A side note for anybody draining coolant; it is on the driver side tucked away under the headlight. Access is only from under the car, and it is a plastic screw with tabs. Good luck! It is very difficult to see, but find it once and find it always.
You poor man. You did tons of steps that were not needed. I appreciate the video though. I took mine to a mechanic and paid $540. Worked great for a year. Went to jack the car up from the front cross member and the car slid off the jack and ruined the radiator and condensor. $740 later it's good again. Now I have a coolant leak and I think it's the radiator. I'm sure the mechanic will back his work. What a pain. 251k miles on my 05. These are Damn good engines.
Yeah I just did my Malibu 2007, remove lots of thing and put it back together , this is the second time I change the radiator. Replace all hoses thermostat, temperature sensor, reservoir cap, serpentine belt ..it took me longer clean the parts degreasing Then actually putting it back together. It's really time consuming but you save a lot of money
Is there a video of the actual process being done?
this video really helped this is the only malibu video about the radiator or fan thanks
Alias Alias I'm glad this helped you. That's exactly why I wanted to post it.
Please note.... Nowhere in this video did I say to remove fenders! To get the bumper cover off, you'll need to remove a few screws from the fenders, but the fenders will stay on the car! Also, if you get the sense that I was just complaining, keep in mind that I was fairly frustrated by the time I made the video. Thank you to those that left kind words. Much appreciated.
It is just a headache forsure no more for me
So yes it is extensive, but fairly minor mechanical experience is required...just follow this removal video...I separated the Radiator/Cooling fan apart and both AC condenser and Radiator lift out...they are connected with 2 x 10mm bolts and slide clips...Amazon has all OEM parts or referenced parts per GM part #. Splash guard removal is annoying. 2 hour removal - 45 min install.
Remove bumper.Remove lines for radiator. Lift up radiator .unbolt 2 10m bolts on condenser. Take off 13m ac line from condenser. Remove hood latch bolts. Pull everything out. All that extra shit not needed.
the radiator gets removed through the bottom along with the fan. it sits on two removable brackets on the bottom. several gm cars are set up in a similar way. they are a real pain in the ass but as a mechanic it pays really well. if you have an ac machine, this job goes that much faster
So to take the fan out you need to put the car on a lift?
It turns out that it's easier to disconnect the transmission fluid lines from the transmission itself than it is from the radiator. Those lines are pressed into the transmission and held in place by a single bracket with a single nut. Simply undo the nut and pry the bracket a bit and the lines pop out. Just leave them attached to the radiator as you pull it out, there is no need to ever remove them from the radiator.
Definitely a pain in the butt job that takes about all day.
Also, for anyone else reading this, I found there are 2 -10 mm bolts that connect the condenser to the radiator, one on the left and one on the right that need to be removed to get the radiator out.
Don't even bother trying to disconnect the fan assembly until you take the radiator out. You're going to have to take it out anyway. I had the fan assembly disconnected before taking the radiator out, there's simply no way to get the assembly out. Too much stuff in the way. You're left with no choice but to remove the radiator, which means taking out the headlights and the bumper as well.
So would you say I would have to remove the whole front end, in order to remove and replace the radiator? My neighbor his the ditch on a weekend, and cracked her radiator bad. I haven't found any other videos of a 2005 Malibu, dealing with the cooling system.
you have to remove the front bumper, the front fender, the hood cover, your front wheels(recommend getting two jacks that can hold your car up), and that's how far ive gone so far
Pretty much. Primarily the full front plastic bumper assembly and headlights. The video shows a pic of how far down I had to go with the disassembly. It is a fair amount of work but it's doable if you know your way around a car. If it's you cooling fan that's having a problem, you may want to double check that it's getting proper power. Check the connectors etc. My problem was that one of the motors was dying and would start up properly causing it to run hot at the long stop lights etc. Best of luck.
+s. Reed yeah I actually just took out to fan and radiator yesterday. Now I just have to get the replacements.
I actually did this and completed it for my neighbor. I did not have to remove the front bumper cover, nor any of the fenders. I did remove both headlights and the grille along with the plastic pieces behind the grille. I didn't have to remove the fans nor the ac condenser, I just unbolted them from the radiator, removed the transmission lines and slid the radiator right out. Then reversed the process, and I'm happy to say my neighbor is pleased. Back to new if not better!
Rob ST yes you do buddy
QUESTION??? Does the fan cut on when you crank the car or does it only cut on when it is hot? Or what. Need help
sorry for the delayed response but I believe the fan only kicks on when the temp sensor activates it. But you also have the AC fan.
Is 07 different? Got mine apart and looks like fans and radiator should come out from top no problem
This video is good stuff and it has funny parts thanks for this.
I came to a place where i dint know whats next in removing bumper. I removed the body plugs out and removed the three bolts. There is a long threaded bolt that fastens the plastic chrome piece that i think has the chevy emblem on it thT i didnt remove cus i didnt know if i needed to. Do those plastic plugs in plastic ontop need to be removed. Yeah i wish there was a tutorial on this
i need to remove the cooling fan from my Malibu 2005 i think its the same setup as the 2004 i had a question how did you get the fan out from the side or the top?
never took any front aparts off just removed head lights to see better then removed brackets on the bottom and and disconect hoses and trany lines drops strait out bottom then 2 10 mil bolts holding AC rad to coolant rad at bottom slid out old rad and wiggled in new one and reversed the prosses cost was $100 plus tax at the wreckers for rad..... and a jug of antifreeze .. used the same clips on trany line ..O ring wont fall out there fine unless one of the lines are leaking then replace the o rings
Thank you
I removed the exhaust to get easy acces to the fan and the radiator was easy from removing the bottom brackets from the bottom
There's no way around it, you have to remove the bumper cover, the front fascia and they tubing that goes into the MAF. One must drop the bumper cover and remove the bottom under car shield if equipped, then the plastic covering by the hood latch and both headlamps. Jack the car up, loosen the upper retaining brackets of the radiator, remove condenser and then radiator. After that is done there should be some free space to access the cooling fans, take your time and unplug the harness as well as fuses. Unbolt the screws the hold the fans in place either remove from bottom or top- which ever is easier, for me it was the bottom. Reverse procedure to install everything back after you have tested the fans with the bumper off. Hopefully this helps. I just replaced my radiator, and cooling fans after hitting a way on a freeway going 62mph. The car took two months to put back together but it is possible, then again I'm a backyard mechanic so I'm well versed with cars, especially GM vehicles.
Funny, I swapped out the radiator on mine without removing the bumper cover or the wheels. You are all doing WAY too much work for something so simple. Get a damn repair manual lol.
@@stoneyjonez all he had to do was take off the bottom support bracket and it would have damned near fell out.. lol
good video and thanks
That was basically everything I already knew. Exception: extra clips} But I didn't see a "tutorial-ish" video. You kept going on and on about "...novice" this and that, but I gotta say Farmer Reed, some of us have other obligations, and can't afford the $700 at the moment. I swear the Universe is against me, because this is one of a vast many improbabilities in my life, this one just happened to occur on the day I was laid-off, Full-time student, and THEE absolute biggest raccoon on Earth (approx. 50lbs easy) came out of thin air, phase shifted through the grill and bumper, missing the air bag trigger and completely destroyed my radiator and cool fans. My ex used to think my 'Limmeny Snickets" events were of my own device... she doesn't anymore. So enough of my ranting, I just wanted to see the steps you went through to avoid as many headaches as possible, and save $450 so I can feed my two ravenous teenage sons.
What type of Antifreeze does that car need???
Whole Saturday it is
I need a video that shows how to re-install all the splash guards that I took out to change my A/C condenser for a 2005 Malibu Maxx. I have two that I don't recall how they fit. I should have taken pictures as I disassembled it, I know.
I'm a big fan of taking pics before any disassembly job. You may be able to google image search for those to see existing pics. Sorry I don't have any myself.
I appreciate the information but all I heard was griping about what a pain it is and not how to do what I need to do.
Lajuana, you are correct. I specifically did not want anyone to think this was a tutorial video. I really just wanted to point out some of the struggles I encountered. I work on cars all the time and I'm a fan of good engineering. Sorry if it came across as just complaining. But I guess I was a bit frustrated by the time I got the job done. I hope the video helps anyone that is considering taking on a job like this on their 2004 Malibu. Thanks for you feed back.
@@SReed-zp3uo Well shit, Farmer Reed... That would've saved me a shit-ton knowing this wasn't a tutorial. Instead of "NOT COMPLETE" tutorial, next time just lead with that in the video itself because I didn't have my reading glasses on to read the small stuff.
3hr 30 min job for me and im a hack mechanic. I did thermostat and water pump at the same time. Took the trans cooler lines off at the radiator not the transmission which was a piece of cake. Theres a lil rubber cap over where the spring clips reside. when you get the new radiator these come preinstalled just push the pipe back on and yer done. This is a dooable job
It was a b!t¢h to change the fan on my 05 Malibu but it's worth it at the end
Wasn't that hard, bumper cover and headlights off in 30 minutes, separate condenser and fan shroud and lift out.
RobST...I did same as you headlights & grill ONLY came right out Remove & Replace 1hr. removed fenders & all the front end? LOLOLO..Yeah just PAY & Do yourself a favor
Lol at a novice needing dozens of snap rings and o rings.
he said: i litterly hate this car at this point . lhhhhhhhh
The Malibu Maxx is one of the most Underrated vehicles. This car is tough as shit and and even faster. It also came with the SS option as well. I really like this Grocery Getter, and she's been good to me. Just beat up now.