This is the bar that holds up the radiator from the underside of the
subframe. I had no idea this thing would rot out this bad. However, its
easy to change, and requires about 1 hour. Mine is a 2.0 I think the
VR6s are the same. Check this part NOW if you live in the NE. Note: no
need to remove wheels, coolant, or anything else... its easy.
The part costs $161 from the dealer (Central east coast USA, 8/05).
Needed, good jack (not widowmaker), 2 jack stands, 8 and 10mm deep
socket, 16mm 1/2 drive deep socket (6pt), two long zipties.
Time < 1 hour.
Here's how.
Jack up car at front sub frame. The front motor mount is a good place
to do this. Position some jack stands under the front sub frame on
either side of the jack.
Remove the upper fan shroud (3-8mm bolts), and use the plastic
Zipties to hold the upper radiator hose to the upper support, and then
do the same for the A/C condenser (metal) hose. This will hold up the
radiator when we remove its support from the bottom.
Next, reach down and remove the two 10mm bolts holding the radiator
to the lower support. These bolts are on either side of the side tanks,
and have large washers that will come out with the bolts.
Next, Remove the 4 large 16mm bolts from the front of the sub frame.
Take care not to lower or shift the vehicle at this point as there is a
small chance you may knock off the alignment of the frame (and change
toe adjustment and thrust angle).
At this point, the old lower core support comes out. Kick that rusty
Mexican crap into the trash and either make sure that your junkyard one
has ZERO rust, or grind/sand blast it/prime it/paint it with a good
quality spray paint (I used black Rustolium "hammer tone"). Even if this
part were new, I'd still spray it. Water sits on this part every time it
rains... plus its down in the "salt zone" for us winter driving morons..
You may wish to think about a euro-rad support if you are going to do
this, its not a big deal..
Modified by Dan J Reed at 1:25 AM 8-10-2005
95' Golf Sport "Schneesturm", 87' Westy Vanagon "Schultz" - 98' Jetta
GLS "Wife's Car"
BUY MY $60 14" (4) WINTER BEATER TIRES! -
BUY MY OEM MUD FLAPS! -
CHEAP OEM MKIII REMOTES!
