Welp my radiator cracked at the very top of the unit near the plastic area. I needed a quick fix so I just threw about 2 gallons of JB Weld at it, I don't think Macgyver would have been impressed but I got a few extra miles out of it. I'm gonna get a new radiator soon and wanted to install it myself so without researching google etc first if anyone had a quick reference or link to any guide or pointers that would be nice. I've replaced my alternator before but never anything like this. Is this something a typical DIYer can or should do? Glancing quickly at a youtube vid and some google images it seems relatively easy to get out and back in with no 'special tools' ?

 

Been here since '04 and you don't like to research?

No special tools needed.
Go ahead and replace your hoses while you're at it, and maybe even the thermostat for more preventative maintenance since you'll be draining the fluid anyways.

Copy of the FSM in my sig.

 

Just LOL. Have you even opened the hood? It DOES NOT get any more straight forward than it is. This is oil change level easy.

 

https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...t-writeup.html

Depending on which radiator you get, the 2 original fan shroud bolts may not work so a trip to Home Depot will be in order to get ones that fit.

 

It's a 10 minute job at most. Super easy to do. No automotive skills necessary

 

How does the hood open? I've never tackled a radiator replacement, literally had no clue just wanted reassurance before jumping into it.

These were the sort of little nuances I needed a heads up on. With my luck that sort of detail will probably go overlooked when I'm reading a tutorial or how to so thanks m8.

 

You might want to consider the rubber mounts that hold the radiator in place. They could be deteriorated.

The top ones are called "Mounting-Rubber, Radiator Upper", part # 21506-51E00
The bottom ones are called "Mounting-Rubber, Radiator Lower", part # 21507-51Y10

 

Don't forget the trans cooling lines that can be a PIA, old and hardened.

 

Most of the hoses are asses to get off and on. Really not a big deal though, I would replace any that look dried and cracked. Also when you fill it up with coolant fill it to the brim and then place a towel or rag around the filling port (might be some spillage) and give the hoses a few squeezes to get all of the air out, then top it off again. Sorry some people in this thread are being elitists about it...

 

Nissan put really good hoses on these cars so if they look good I'd leave them. 300,000 miles on the wifes car and 200,000 on mine. The original hoses are still perfect looking and feeling. If you do replace them go with the replacement from Nissan.

If you did the alternator, this will be no problem.