2000 - 2006 Suburban/Tahoe/Silverado 1500 Radiator Replacement

This 2003 Chevrolet Suburban had an issue with the Low Coolant warning coming on. A quick inspection found evidence of leaking on the plastic tank on the driver's side of the radiator. This video walks you step by step through removing and replacing the radiator in this year range of Chevrolet 1/2 ton full sized trucks.
One difference you might note is that your vehicle may have electric cooling fans rather than the mechanical fan this truck had. If you have electric cooling fans, there will be 2 connections to disconnect near the center bottom of the fan assembly. It will bolt into the same location that the fan shroud bolted into in this video and pull up and out of locator tabs at the bottom to remove it from the vehicle.
This radiator does not include an engine oil cooler as the vehicle is not equipped with one. The Core Width was 34". On your vehicle, if you do not know of you have an oil cooler or not, check the plastic tank on the driver's side. If there are lines connected to fittings at the top and bottom directly below the upper radiator hose connection, then your vehicle has an engine oil cooler. If you're under the vehicle, check the oil pan where the oil filter attaches. Above the oil filter is where cooler lines will attach if your truck has it. You will either have Oil Cooler lines, or a cover/plug that's a few inches long in that location.
Thank you for checking out the video, and I'll include links to a few other videos for this same vehicle that might also apply to your vehicle.
Daytime Running Lights replacement: • 2000 - 2006 Suburban D...
U-Joint Replacement: • Universal Joint Replac...
Rear Brake Replacement: • 2003 Suburban Rear Bra...
Oil Life Monitor Reset: • 03 Suburban Oil Life R...

Пікірлер: 72

  • @ericrohrbaugh2713
    @ericrohrbaugh27134 жыл бұрын

    Well, now with my New AC Delco Radiator and a New Water Pump installed on my '03 Suburban, the temperature gauge is right where it belongs and the front & rear heaters are really putting out the warmth like never before. I'm guessing the engine is a happy camper once again with full flow and so am I. Once again, thank you for this video, it was a lifesaver for me by making a $1,200 to $1,400 repair run me only about $370 and, taking my time, just under 8 hours of having fun doing this with my brother. Yes, we did break for lunch. . . LOL. I'm 67 and he's 70! We felt like teenagers again taking our time and enjoying each other's company and reminiscing about those days when we were building Hot Rods in the 1960s. Great times then and now once again! If you're healthy, you're never too old to wrench! Ha haa . . . . . . The Best to you Good Sir!

  • @sergiocruise636

    @sergiocruise636

    4 жыл бұрын

    if i may ask, what was wrong with your 03 suburban? i have the same year and model vehicle and i’m not sure if i should replace the radiator or my water pump or both?

  • @theeskuichi2256

    @theeskuichi2256

    4 жыл бұрын

    How cool

  • @mkl5448
    @mkl54484 жыл бұрын

    This is like a 2 hour job, Chevy made it very simple to replace this radiator. Anyone with basic auto skills, and understanding, with not have a problem. Keep in mind they used different types of radiators depending on your model. I believe there are at least 3, maybe 4. Very good video though.

  • @atxjax1
    @atxjax14 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the detailed explanation. Good video.

  • @BellesetBeauxDad
    @BellesetBeauxDad4 ай бұрын

    Great video. Thanks for showing so many of the little steps.

  • @naruttaanime9471
    @naruttaanime94714 ай бұрын

    Wonderful step by step how to .. 3:20 add on tip for diy not in rush, fixes, clean the a/c condensor from all the dirt salt spray and bugs the same way the stearliship mechanics fo in their own cars after hours, taking good care of this wonderful 5.3L gm.

  • @timnorris4185
    @timnorris41854 жыл бұрын

    This was fantastic, I’ve watched quite a few other videos, by far and away, this was the best video for a mechanic dummy like me, your video gave me the confidence to do it myself. My break was at the same spot, and I didn’t have a clue, went for a year, and probably 12 gallons of antifreeze before I had to seriously do it. Man, you are a life saver. Thank you so much, I can’t wait to see what else you put out for us weekend warriors.

  • @kristinwalker2302
    @kristinwalker23023 жыл бұрын

    Thank You for the detailed video. I was able to replace the radiator and thermostat with no problems.

  • @artsisland1683
    @artsisland16837 ай бұрын

    Now this is how you do an instructional video. VERY detailed instructions, if not the best. Thank you and a new Subscriber! 👍

  • @am6066
    @am60664 жыл бұрын

    Great detail; really helped me to change my radiator in less than an hour!

  • @raygaither9369
    @raygaither93693 жыл бұрын

    Great detailed video and camera work. Thank you for doing this for us it will save me a lot of trial and error.

  • @billricketts5797
    @billricketts57972 жыл бұрын

    Very through and practical video. Changing mine out tomorrow. Thanks!

  • @codycall6513
    @codycall65134 жыл бұрын

    Sweet, hope it goes as planned on a Tahoe. Replacing the t-stat as well, along with new hose clamps. Always better to be safe than sorry

  • @thomashowes1973
    @thomashowes19732 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this video. My 2001 yukon is cracked in exactly the same place. Will be using your video when I replace it.

  • @Imustfly
    @Imustfly3 жыл бұрын

    Outstanding instructional video !! Very well done sir !

  • @chuckruiz3145
    @chuckruiz31453 жыл бұрын

    Hey man, this was really detailed. Thank you

  • @LegalRightz
    @LegalRightz2 жыл бұрын

    I don’t know shit about cars or trucks but decided to give this a go and man was that fun. Thank you!

  • @theeskuichi2256
    @theeskuichi22564 жыл бұрын

    Well explained.. I have the same issue with my 04 silverado the radiator has a big crack same spot as the one you showed../ thank you for the video

  • @josecruzbonilla9672
    @josecruzbonilla96723 жыл бұрын

    Nice work man!

  • @charliesmith5777
    @charliesmith57773 жыл бұрын

    Perfect video.. thank you so much for been very detailed

  • @ericrohrbaugh2713
    @ericrohrbaugh27134 жыл бұрын

    Thank You for an excellent video. I have the exact same year & model Suburban. Love the fact that you took the time to pretty much make sure you had good camera angles and good focus so we could actually see what you were doing, with just a couple of spots that were tough for you to get to and also film while working. Hats off to you! Finally, a video that made sense for we "Backyard Mechanics" trying to save a few dollars and gain experience. Well done Good Sir and yes, I also just Subscribed to your channel.

  • @pabloochoa2927

    @pabloochoa2927

    3 жыл бұрын

    Excellent

  • @killem30
    @killem304 жыл бұрын

    Great job brother!!! 👍

  • @bassgodmade-itgodly8089
    @bassgodmade-itgodly80893 жыл бұрын

    Thanks this gone come in handy for my 2001 chevy tahoe LS

  • @erichudec1989
    @erichudec19894 жыл бұрын

    Great video thanks for the help

  • @mfree2go
    @mfree2go3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Big help!

  • @pedrozaldivarperaza176
    @pedrozaldivarperaza1763 жыл бұрын

    Very well detail video .

  • @norbertomartinez5363
    @norbertomartinez53633 жыл бұрын

    Great Video.

  • @rockybalboa4394
    @rockybalboa43944 жыл бұрын

    Nice, thank you sir!!

  • @jimmyherrera2514
    @jimmyherrera25142 жыл бұрын

    This is a great real world video, not done in a fancy clean shop where mechanics have all the expensive fancy tools. This is exactly what I needed to see. What size are the bolts that hold the shroud cover and the top of the radiator? Thanks for this video.

  • @markstroeh6997
    @markstroeh6997Күн бұрын

    Great job!

  • @mib20000
    @mib200003 жыл бұрын

    my 03 silverado is leaking coolant . I will have to look at that break spot you showed. I assumed it was hoses so I got hoses and new clamps

  • @danielduerst5067
    @danielduerst50673 жыл бұрын

    What is the extra threaded port hole not used on the bottom driver side of radiator ?

  • @tuggle6710
    @tuggle67104 жыл бұрын

    What size radiator is that

  • @EdwardSadzewicz
    @EdwardSadzewicz3 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @gustavoarcos3593
    @gustavoarcos35933 жыл бұрын

    Are tahoe radiators interchangeable with escalade radiators

  • @texan4jesuschrist559
    @texan4jesuschrist5593 жыл бұрын

    Question. If I’m gonna replace my leaky radiator on my 03 Silverado, should I replace anything else since I can access so many things? All parts are original. Btw great video!!

  • @joemurtagh74
    @joemurtagh742 жыл бұрын

    Thank you 👍

  • @dutch971
    @dutch9714 жыл бұрын

    What's the radiator looking deal in front of the radiator? I'm not talking about the smaller AC condenser.

  • @codycall6513

    @codycall6513

    4 жыл бұрын

    Engine oil cooler.

  • @dutch971

    @dutch971

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@codycall6513 - Thanks.

  • @BrandonJ.88
    @BrandonJ.883 жыл бұрын

    This was an awesome video...but may I add you didn't need a whole can to blow away the atf of the bottom tray/pan. Plus you didn't even wip it clean..nor the upper fan shroud while it was out if the vehicle. Other than those things. Awesome

  • @billysick2134
    @billysick21342 жыл бұрын

    What is measurements 34 inches ot 28 i got 34 but i have a 2004 18 1/ Z AND 1 1/16

  • @Drewfvalencia
    @Drewfvalencia4 жыл бұрын

    How many quarts does it ta llmmmmmm e to refill

  • @rc7435
    @rc74353 жыл бұрын

    How much transmission fluid is added after the replacement? Not one video in her has mentioned it.

  • @DIYAutoHomeschool

    @DIYAutoHomeschool

    3 жыл бұрын

    You don't lose that much, usually less than a half a pint. Just check the dip stick and add to get it to the proper level.

  • @jimcase3097
    @jimcase30973 жыл бұрын

    👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @rcinfinity9842
    @rcinfinity98422 жыл бұрын

    My 2500 Silverado 2004 just got that EXACT crack and location.

  • @larasfishingchronicles9301
    @larasfishingchronicles93013 жыл бұрын

    Cooking with grease 😋 👌

  • @johnsteele8073
    @johnsteele80732 жыл бұрын

    2004 Yukon Denali XL my broke exact same spot

  • @juanosorio7730
    @juanosorio77303 жыл бұрын

    Does anyone know what he sprayed to clean the atf off

  • @DIYAutoHomeschool

    @DIYAutoHomeschool

    3 жыл бұрын

    Just regular Brake Parts Cleaner. You can also take a gallon jug of water and use that. A lot of water will get rid of it just as well.

  • @juanosorio7730

    @juanosorio7730

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@DIYAutoHomeschool thank you so much great video from start to end

  • @djhinrg
    @djhinrg3 жыл бұрын

    18:36 what is the actual name for this part? Its leaking and that ring is broken off on my silverado.

  • @DIYAutoHomeschool

    @DIYAutoHomeschool

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's the connection for the transmission cooler line. If you remove the line like I do in the video, there is 1 or 2 o rings inside. They're probably worn out. They can be removed with a pick if you're careful, and just work replacements in their place. The plastic piece is just a safety cover to ensure the retaining clip doesn't come out. It's not the end of the world if it's broken.

  • @djhinrg

    @djhinrg

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@DIYAutoHomeschool thanks to your video I went to orielys got the transmission connector valve which gone bad, was cheap, and replaced it. I was glad the line didnt gone bad. And I figured it out about the protective ring lol I was worried tho it was part of the valve. Thanks again!

  • @MR-zi6rv
    @MR-zi6rv2 жыл бұрын

    Good fing video from start 2 finish save me 100 buck

  • @ddsilverado0077
    @ddsilverado00774 жыл бұрын

    does this apply on a silverado

  • @christopherhendricks4369

    @christopherhendricks4369

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes. Same exact setup on my 01 as this video. My radiator just started leaking a month ago.

  • @Palacemalicee
    @Palacemalicee4 жыл бұрын

    Can anyone help me? My mechanic is saying he will replace my radiator for $725. He has always been honest with me. Does that seem a little high?

  • @cv4516w

    @cv4516w

    3 жыл бұрын

    Too high buy your radiator @ amazon.com n ask him how much for labor u can get 1 for as lowest @80.00

  • @bensonhedges5471
    @bensonhedges54713 жыл бұрын

    But....why did the radiator have a crack in the first place??

  • @daviddelacruz7496

    @daviddelacruz7496

    2 жыл бұрын

    Plastic

  • @petermatthew7038
    @petermatthew70382 жыл бұрын

    Prince adore you

  • @carlodonnell146
    @carlodonnell146 Жыл бұрын

    Locktite epoxy may fix that!!

  • @eliascruz9757
    @eliascruz97575 ай бұрын

    When you push the button on you forgo truck control at night only. Those light 💡 Day Time running lights will turn on or blink Only at night Not at Day!!

  • @dwwicked3978
    @dwwicked39783 жыл бұрын

    U look like Joe Rogan alil

  • @tronshaw805
    @tronshaw805 Жыл бұрын

    Struggling with two hands😮

  • @ericbettis2777
    @ericbettis27772 жыл бұрын

    Thanks buddy, you just need to get rid of that ford hat now.

  • @silent_torseeker7741
    @silent_torseeker77412 жыл бұрын

    Should of wore a chevy hat

  • @juanalmeida9393
    @juanalmeida9393 Жыл бұрын

    I damaged it it all came off I should of seen this video first what can I do