Hi Everyone,

I don't know if this is the right place for this post but here goes. I'm looking for someone that has the know how to replace the lower radiator support on a 03 Maxima in the north Orlando, Fl area. Or knows of a reputable shop that can do the job for a reasonable price.

Thanks!

 

the bushings?

I live in Kissimmee and my girlfriend lives in north Orlando

 

Not the bushings. This is to replace the entire lower radiator support which has rusted.

 

they sell the lower radiator support , they bolt right on. a bit of labor but nothing crazy.

or you can probably get upper brackets and bushings and rig them up for lowers with nuts and bolts.

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format...3ABFBMjpyNs_1f

 

post pics of how bad it is also......

 

Don't get an aftermarket lower rad support. Plenty here have ripped them open.

 

I've read about aftermarket lower rad support not lasting long so I won't get one. I'll pay extra and get it from Nissan. Here's a pic of the lower rad support on my car, I couldn't get a good angle but it shows the rust.

 

why would the aftermarket one not last as long? it's just painted metal.

 

I don't know why they don't last but I've about many of them breaking around the crossmember bolts. Also, a few posts before you said I could do the replacement but aren't there a few spot welds that should be done?

 

The aftermarket ones are notorious for shearing apart where the crossmember bolts up. The OEM design is already paper thin and the knockoff brands are even thinner. They are just poor quality, not so much of a rust issue.

I did the job on my first max without any spotwelding and never had any issues. There was some discussion years ago that theorized the spotwelds exist as part of the assembly line process, which were needed to hold the support in place before bolts were installed later down the line. That being said, the max I have now is about due for getting the rad support replaced, and im probably going to borrow a welding setup and do it the “right” way. I dont think they are necessary at all though.

Bear in mind that this job is an absolute dog to do because some of the spot welds are in very hard to reach spots. It has my vote for being the most PITA repair this car has to offer.

 

I'm lucky, my car is rust free. I'm guessing it's never seen any snow at all.. I plan on keeping this car as long as I can, I've had it since December of 2012 with 175,000 miles and it's at 310,XXX at the moment. Eventually I'll be throwing in a 7th gen engine, after new carpet and a fresh coat of paint....

 

I don't have the tools or skills to remove the old rad support. Especially if I have to cut thru some spot welds. Best for me to leave it to the pros. @uptownsamcv your car looks great, I also want to keep mine as long as I can.

 

spot welds are easy to cut through, just get a angle grinder from Walmart and cutting discs. I got these real cheap there....

 

I absolutely wouldnt recommend doing this job yourself. Even if you know what youre doing its an utter shtshow. Theres a dozen+ welds in spots the angle grinder cant reach, and a few of those are very difficult for even a dremel to get at. I had an easier time pulling the motor in my backyard than replacing the lower rad support, it truly sucks.

Just make sure that regardless of who does it, that youre using OEM, because lord have mercy on your soul if you have to do it over.

 

You my friend 100% incorrect I changed my lower radiator support on my Infiniti i30 with minimal problems yes the spot Wells were rough but I busted them out by hand

 

Well I suppose that is just a matter of opinion then lol. I still stand by mine.

 

I actually ended up fixing mine this past week. I let it get a little too far out of hand , and decided it was time. I ended up fixing it for about $25 and a couple hours of work.

 

not bad man, pretty much just patched it up welding in some new pieces.

 

yea exactly! Figured it would give me another couple years, which at that point I’ll decide if it’s worth replacing the whole support with a factory piece.