Radiator leaking

[ronnyb]

Just discovered that the radiator on my 2003 1.9SDI golf is leaking at the bottom offside corner. Bit disappointed really as the car has only covered 15k. Fortunately they're not that expensive, £56 at my local factors. Just wondered if any of you learned people had any tips advice about changing it. It looks pretty straightforward and i've done one or two on other cars before (not golfs) What type and ratio of anti freeze should I fill it up with afterwards? Thanks in anticipation.

[VAGMAN54]

there easy when you get the bumper out the way,self explanatory really just follow your nose.50/50 is the best mix but ok a little bit less and make sure you use the g12 antifreeze no need to bleed it just run it up when you have topped it up..

[tdigolf]

mine is leaking to i need to get it sorted.. i didnt think you had to take the bumper off to fit the new one though..

[batteryman]

Had a small radiator leak on a Golf Tdi 90, bottom corner as described and a very slow drip, drip. Car had done approx 50,000 miles. It was caused by a stuck pressure release valve in the cooling system - over pressure on warm up after topping up coolant had burst the radiator at its weakest point (joint between core and bottom tank). It's an obscure fault but worth looking into because it could make your new radiator fail early.

[ronnyb]

Bit more complicated than I anticipated. Removed the screws on the front inner wheel arch covers and then the grille. Took the front bumper off. Disconnect hoses. Disconnected the bonnet release cable and then the connectors to the headlights and temperature sender unit plug on the radiator. Removed the complete front panel with headlights radiator and fan. I found the most time consuming thing was disconnecting the various wiring plugs. They're awkward to get at and I didn't know exactly how they came apart. Gonna reassemble tomorrow.

[VAGMAN54]

you got it thats the best way of doing it and those germans know how to make a plug on connector thats on for good or difficult if you want it to come off,good luck and have a good day