From this article you will learn how to independently replace the radiator of the VAZ-2109 stove. This can be done fairly quickly if you know how to act. If the cooling and heating systems do not work correctly, there are leaks and any other malfunctions, then this is reflected in the state of the engine in the first place. Often, instead of repairing the heating system, it is simply turned off. As a rule, this is done in the warm season, when there is no need for heating.
How to change the radiator?
If you look in the car’s instruction manual, you’ll likely get sad right away. The reason is simple: to remove the radiator stove VAZ-2109, you must completely disassemble the interior! And more precisely, the entire front panel must be dismantled. Only in this way (according to the drafters of the instruction manual) can a replacement be made. Of course, this technology is the most “safe” - there is no chance of damaging the panel elements.
But motorists use a method that they think is more “humane." The less “unnecessary gestures” when replacing, the faster the repair will be completed. Therefore, your VAZ-2109 car will be faster "on its feet", that is, on wheels. The essence of the procedure is that you do not completely disassemble the panel, but only partially. You need to loosen all the nuts and screws with which the torpedo is screwed to the elements of the body.
Repair Tools
When carrying out such repairs, you need capacity. They need to drain the liquid from the cooling system. This is a kind of vase that will help remove the radiator of the stove without losing coolant. The dimensions of such containers should be as large as possible (total volume - about ten liters). And do not forget that the liquid may begin to flow out of the pipes connected to the radiator. And you can’t get it on the floor or interior elements. In addition, during all the work you just need good wrenches and screwdrivers. Without them, repairs will be difficult.
Pay particular attention to the clamps that secure the nozzles. In most cases, devices with a worm gear are used. Such clamps have a low degree of reliability, so it is better to use other designs. See which products are used in foreign cars. They are made according to the type of spring, it is more convenient to work with them, and their reliability is higher. Therefore, such clamps are much more effective than worm clamps.
Preparing for repairs
First of all, you need to install a container under the cooling radiator. Please note that when draining the liquid it is advisable to cover the generator with a piece of polyethylene. If it is not, then you can use a piece of dense matter, if only the liquid did not get into the generator. Use your hands to unscrew the plug, which is located at the bottom of the radiator. Carefully start unscrewing the plug on the expansion tank. Thereby, you can adjust the pressure from the drain hole.
It is best if the car (VAZ-2109) is installed so that its front end is lower than the rear. Due to this, it is possible to ensure that all liquid will drain to the drain holes. Also, do not forget that the faucet of the stove must be fully open, otherwise too much liquid will remain in the radiator. After that, close the plug and unscrew the one that is in the cylinder block. In the same way regulate the pressure of the liquid. That's all, the preparation is completed, you can begin to replace the radiator.
Panel disassembly
The simpler the repair, the better. Therefore, it is worth taking the path of least resistance. The fact is that the operation manual requires a complete analysis of the torpedo. But in reality this is superfluous work, and it is better to avoid it. If you look at the location of the radiator on the right side, you can see that it is enough to lift the panel a few centimeters. So, you are required to do the following:
- Release the glove compartment and unscrew the screws in it.
- On the right side of the panel, remove the cap that secures the main mounting bolt. It is located at the level of the rear view mirror.
- Unscrew the two screws that secured the “beard” (middle part of the torpedo).
- Carefully inspect the entire surface of the panel, in the lower part along the perimeter there are four self-tapping screws, which are used for fastening to the car body.
Radiator removal
Now the most important thing is the dismantling of the old radiator. Lay a dense cloth on the floor so that the antifreeze that escapes from the nozzles does not spoil the carpet. No matter how carefully you drain the liquid, a sufficiently large amount will still remain in the radiator and nozzles. Now you need to raise the right side of the torpedo as high as possible. This will allow access to the compartment in which the radiator stands. You can resort to the help of a partner. And if there is none, you can support the bottom of the panel with a pipe segment or a wooden block of suitable length. And now you can remove the radiator stove VAZ-2109. The sizes of plastic and copper units are the same, the only difference is in the design. So, first of all, unscrew the three screws that secure the plastic cover. Then, using a spanner wrench, loosen the clamps on the nozzles. If the rubber tubes are strongly stuck, they must first be scrolled, after which, having pry off with a screwdriver, remove and take to the side.
Radiator installation
The next step is the installation of a new radiator. You will need to put it in the same place where the old one was dismantled. But pay attention immediately to the state in which it is, whether there are any cracks in the case, so that then again you do not perform all the above steps. Also carefully look at the condition of the nozzles. If they have cracks or are too hard, have lost elasticity, they must be replaced, otherwise the radiator of the stove will certainly leak . The dimensions (VAZ of the ninth family is no exception) of this device are not very large, but there is enough space to replace the nozzles independently.
To do this, loosen the clamps at the point of attachment of the pipes to the faucet. It is located under the "snail" (in fact, this is the entire heating system, with which the distribution of air flows). When installing the nozzles, you can use sealants. Apply a small amount, do not make a thick layer. After a short exposure (5-10 minutes), you can assemble the entire structure and fill in the antifreeze.
Antifreeze or antifreeze?
Of course, green or red antifreeze is much better than Soviet antifreeze, since it has many additives that increase the service life of both the liquid itself and all the elements with which it comes into contact. In particular, the lubrication of the pump is much better, its resource becomes higher. Antifreeze is also greasy to the touch, but cannot provide the maximum quality of the mechanisms.
System bleeding and fluid filling
On VAZ-2109 cars, pumping as such is not required. It is enough to ensure the tightness of the system. Pour fluid into the expansion tank until it stops leaving. Just remember to tighten all the plugs. And it is advisable to put the car in front of the hill, so that the radiator of the VAZ-2109 stove (photo of it is given in the article) was the lowest point in the system, then it will be possible to fill it to the maximum. And then warm up the engine to operating temperature (of course, with the tank cap closed) and add antifreeze as needed. That's all, the repair is completed, no winter is not afraid of you.