Vauxhall Opel Vectra radiator replacement

First of all I would like to thank you to my daughter Nikola Eliza who helped me a lot with this job.

Being short on time another pair of hand was priceless. Nikola Eliza not only helped me with the work but also took all of the pictures attached to this post.

Thank you Niki

I had a post regarding radiator change in the past (BMW) and my idea is not to duplicate similar jobs, however this is a slightly different construction and newer vehicle so here you go.

 You will need to remove bumper to get a nice access to radiator. Arrows show which screws to remove

 Wheel arches have 2 screws on each side to be removed. Then pull bumper to outside (it will pop out) and slide it towards front of the car. 

 Normally you would have another 4 or more screws in the bottom to be removed

In case of this version before removing bumper please disconnect the wires going to fog lights. On picture you may noticed 3 wires. The third one is for parking sensor

 Removing air intake plastic hose...

... will give you better access to tiny little screws holding A/C radiator

 Slide hinges up
 

As this radiator has had no coolant at all I did not have to drain it.



"sealed" leak

 Temperature sensor

 Fan frame. Mounted on two similar to A/C radiator screws. 1 on each side. Frame is slided in on little hinges

 Mounting: top part first

 I did not mentioned this before (actually forgot to take pictures) - There are 3 hoses to be disconnected from radiator

 If it is difficult to put clamp on hose using washing up liquid (do not use grease or any fat, this will damage rubber in higher temperatures)

Bleeding:
Start engine, top up the coolant and leave the reservoir opened.
Warm engine to the state where fan/s would engage. Top up coolant keep it running for another 10 min.
Job done
Thanks