OEM 2001 Toyota Avalon Radiator

2001 Toyota Avalon Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove and reassemble the radiator and cooling fans assembly on 2001 Toyota Avalon?

  A: Start the engine to check for leaks as the first step before radiator and cooling fans removal because you should verify A/T fluid conditions. Start the process by taking out the battery tray together with the battery then move on to the engine under cover removal. The technician drains engine coolant before disconnecting relay block No.3 and the connector for the No.1 fan and then removes wire clamps from the No.1 fan shroud. They also disconnect the No.2 fan connector and wire clamps at the No.2 fan shroud. Lastly, they disconnect the No.1 ECT switch wire connector and remove wire clamps from the No.2 fan shroud. The upper and lower radiator hoses together with the A/T oil cooler hoses must be removed from the radiator. First remove the radiator and cooling fans assembly by dissassembling its 2 bolts and 2 upper supports while tightening them to 12.8 Nm (130 kgf-cm, 9 ft. lbs.). Then lift out the assembly to detach the 2 lower supports. Remove the components by unfastening the two bolts from the No.1 ECT switch and the No.1 cooling fan and the No.2 cooling fan requiring a torque of 5.0 Nm (50 kgf-cm) (44 inch lbs). Begin the disassembly process by taking the cushion off the radiator before using Special Service Tool: 09230-01010 to place its claw onto the overhaul handle along with stopper bolt adjustments for achieving a dimension "B" between 0.2 and 0.5 mm (0.008 - 0.020 inch). The same tool is used to uncaulk the lock plates before tanks and O-rings are removed by tapping the bracket gently with a soft-faced hammer. A procedure for disassembly includes separating the oil cooler from the lower tank by removing pipes and nuts, plate washers followed by removing of the cooler and its O-rings. To reassemble begin with cleaning the O-ring contact area before installing fresh O-rings to the oil cooler and securing it onto the lower tank by attaching plate washers and nuts and then torque the nuts to 8.3 Nm (85 kgf-cm, 74 inch lbs.) and torque the pipe to 14.7 Nm (150 kgf-cm, 11 ft. lbs.). Check the lock plate for damage then fix any deformation to achieve correct reinstallation. New O-rings must be installed on the tanks before checking each compartment for foreign debris while actively tapping the lock plate to remove all gaps. Special Service Tools: 09230-01010, 09231-14010 allow the stopper bolt adjustment to set dimension "B" at 8.4 mm (0.34 inch). Press the tool against the lock plate and confirm its height is between 7.4 - 7.8 millimeters because dimensional tolerance demands at least 0.2959 to 0.3119 inches. Adjust the tool if lock plate height exceeds tolerance limits. Follow up by inserting the cushion before you finish the installation process in the opposite direction of removal.