Essential Info On Radiator Support

The engine loses about two-thirds of its power as heat loss. This is the reason why the cars sustain such high temperatures, but the engine cannot function efficiently if the temperatures are too high and will tend to breakdown more often. To help the engine maintain a constant and favorable temperature, an automotive radiator is used which is a crucial part of the car. The radiator takes in cold air from the environment with the help of the moving car and coolant is used to cool down the engine. Now if the radiator is not placed in the direct path of the incoming air, it will not function to its maximum, causing frequent engine failure. Therefore, a well-mounted Radiator Support is essential in every vehicle. 

It is mounted to the frame members protruding from the chassis, where the engine is located. It can affect the alignment of several vehicle panels and parts. This support is actually a multi-functional component, so it's important that you maintain it in good shape.

Here are the various important attributes of a Radiator Support

• There are many heat exchangers in a car like the radiator and condenser which are placed on the radiator support without which the heat in the car could have the potential to seize the engine completely.
• The right placement of the radiator support also helps align the various other panels like the vehicle hood, front bumper, and car fender.
• The radiator support in a car serves a few purposes. Its primary function is to secure the radiator to the engine assembly frame and protect it against the heat and vibration from the engine.
• Parts of the support connect the radiator to its upper and lower rails, while also attaching it to the side aprons of the engine's assembly frame. The unit is therefore subjected to many rigorous elements during routine driving. In addition to supporting the radiator in relation to the engine, the radiator support also serves as a structural element for other components
  

The most common cause of a bad front radiator support system is an impact from bumping into something like another car or a stationary object, like a wall or pole. Getting rear-ended can also damage the front radiator support system. In the case of such an impact, the radiator support may become bent or broken; causing damage to the radiator that can also cause leakage of the coolant fluid. Hence, a replacement may be necessary. The radiator support can also get damaged over time due to vehicle and engine vibrations and the effect of the elements. These parts are subjected to a lot of wear and tear due to road and engine vibrations. In addition, the incoming air can bring in a lot of hazards that can have the potential to damage the radiator and its support requiring a new assembly altogether.

A broken or loose radiator support is sure to show these signs:

• Constant crackling or ticking sound due to the radiator support dangling and hitting other components while the vehicle is moving.
• Bent or broken front radiator support, which can generally be spotted with a visual inspection.
• You may notice leaking coolant that will present in the form of a greenish pool under the front of your vehicle.
• Over time, the engine of your vehicle will start to overheat as a result of the malfunctioning of the cooling system. 

To access and replace the Radiator Support you will require the following tools:There are a number of skilled auto mechanics who have a goal of opening their own car repair shop at some point in their career. But let’s face it; if you want to put up an efficient as well as profit making shop, then you might need much more than mechanical skills. There are a number of tools which you might need to perform the car repairs quickly as well as reliably. Auto repair equipment that you will need to repair your Radiator Support may include:

• Ratchet
• Socket Set
• Gloves
• Screwdriver
• Spot Weld Tools
• Air Drills
• Pry Bar
• Impact Wrench
• Air Grinder
• Clip tools

When it comes to vehicle owners choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some top brands for Radiator Support.

If your car has been in a front end collision then the likelihood of other front end parts being broken is high and so assess the damage and get all required parts here:

• Automotive Radiator
• Front Bumper Cover
• Front Bumper Brackets
• Bumper Grille
• Front Bumper Rebar
• Car Fender
• Vehicle Hood 
  

A broken radiator support system can cause the radiator to break, which may ultimately lead to leakage of the coolant. This means that the engine temperature will not be regulated and so it will overheat. This is why regular inspection of the radiator support to make sure all the functionings are correct may be essential to overall engine operation. The radiator support is available in different materials such as plastic, steel and aluminium and the price may vary accordingly. Typically the range will extend up to $500 from about $50.

The proper removal and installation of radiator support involves many different steps and procedures and is very complex employing an array of different tools and hence should be left to the professionals. For an understanding of what the entire procedure is here is a brief step by step guide:

• The first step for replacement is to remove any part near the radiator support such as the front bumper, fender, headlights, front wheels, wheel wells, front rebar, hood and the various heat exchangers like the radiator, condenser and radiator fan. The car is jacked on a stand.
• This exposes the radiator support which is attached to the frame of the body along with the frame rails, engine mount and chassis members.
• The support is spot welded to the various members and requires a spot weld drill bit and an air drill which is used to drill out the spot welds. Alternatively, an air grinder can also be used to grind out the spot welds.
• Once all spots welds are off, using a ratchet or impact gun and the appropriate socket, all the bolts holding down the radiator support are removed.
• The support will be detached from the vehicle and if there is any resistance use a pry bar to pry the part off.
• The new support is installed and all the bolts are secured with the right torque specifications.
• The using the right welding equipment, spot welds or tack welds are done in the appropriate locations.
• All the corresponding components are then reinstalled.

The process for removal and refitting will differ between different car makes and models and this guide provides an approximate as to what steps may be involved while installation or removal. Make sure to refer to your owner's manual for further clarification.