In this video I show you the process I use to replace a radiator in an older Nissan Frontier 3.3l 4x4. It's a pretty simple driveway job. Oh I also fix the stripped out bolts in the skid plate. -Enjoy!
If an SMA Video has helped you out please consider giving using "Patreon" to help support us. The videos take real time to create and pull us away from real work that pays our bills. CLICK HERE: https://www.patreon.com/southmainauto
CHECK OUT OUR "SMA SWAG" STORE! Go on Teespring and get your very own SMA merch!
https://teespring.com/stores/the-sma-store
If you don't like Patreon feel free to use the "PayPal Me" link: https://www.paypal.me/SouthMainAuto
The South Main Auto Amazon Store:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/southmainautorepairavoca
AES Wave Automotive Diagnostic Tools: https://www.aeswave.com/cart.php?m=affiliate_go&affiliateID=2525b91fc8e906e8215984074c9d9e8f&go=https://www.aeswave.com/Miscellaneous-p9347.html
Thank you for all the continuing support!
--Eric & Vanessa O.
Feel like sending some swag to SMA because you love the videos but don't know where to send it?
Just ship it here:
South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
PO Box 471
Avoca, NY 14809
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

50 thoughts on “Nissan frontier: radiator”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alissa Sternagle says:

    Great looking fronty

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alissa Sternagle says:

    Have same truck 225000 miles, same issue with skid plate bolts, they get rusted out and no longer hold, I actually used Velcro on mine for years.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny Sechrist says:

    Observation has determined armchair quarterback definition is the same as keyboard mechanic.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rob Winder says:

    My last radiator changeout was in a 2001 Saturn…Radiator was advertised as “OEM Exact fit”…it didn’t…but it was close…Now I know that if you get one that does fit..you are darned lucky…Thank you for the video!

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Pawelczyk says:

    I did the same job on my Nissan Xterra 2 years ago great

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ken Montgomery says:

    Eric, big fan Herr also from the car eating state of NY. Don't give any thought or time to haters. Just let it go. There are a lot of your subs me included that will watch you sitting in an out house telling stories. So my advice. Let the haters hate

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alan Robison says:

    A pet what?

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Kiser says:

    I would've guessed a Denso part to be user friendly.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eric Rogers says:

    Everyone’s a microbiologist and metallurgist! Haha!

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wave Riderz says:

    Good job dude. Hacks at the quick lube place stripped those cover bolts on both my cars using an impact gun! Good to see a mechanic taking pride in their work. Little details separate the good from bad?.. Thanks for sharing!

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Lopez says:

    great video.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Viking Traveler says:

    Classic reach around, ok. 😂

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cbar30 says:

    Pet cock😂

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jurassic Tech says:

    plot twist…. but but I am an actual microbiologist. Ok do more genetics stuff now, but still.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Vaughn says:

    Well, I'm going to do this tomorrow on my 2004 crew-cab. Never have changed a radiator and don't have the 600 D's to have it done for me. This will make it so much easier. Thank you South Main so much for the great vid!!!! I didn't know about the fit issues with after-market. Don't have time to wait and get OEM from Nissan as I gotta get back to work and O'Rielly's could get one tomorrow morn. Oh well, wish me luck.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Socal Pyro562 says:

    Is this the same for a 2.4l frontier?

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clay Free says:

    Bottom line……I live in the south…and when you have a truck capable of lasting 300k + …….the hell with it……just go back with the OEM parts especially if you are a DIY….

    Given the cost of repairs on domestic autos and trucks you will still be $$$ ahead with OEM on a reliable truck like a Nissan…

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr T says:

    Do not dispose of old radiator coolant in a economical manner. Dispose of it in a ecological manner.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 1337penguinman says:

    Pro-tip for any quick lube guys out there. Put a little bit of ball joint grease on skid plate bolts. 100x easier to take them back out next time.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rizwan Rahman says:

    You are very reputable and I enjoy your videos. I don’t even work on my cars. I wish your shop was near me. I would most certainly bring my cars to you for repairs. Thank you!

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hunter Bolssen says:

    I actually replaced mine too because it had cracked.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hunter Bolssen says:

    I literally own this exact same truck, and I'm bummed I missed this video!

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jj parody says:

    I have tremendous respect for Eric; I wish SMA was in my town. That said, as some have commented, Denso is a major supplier to Japanese makers. I bought a Denso radiator ($72) recently for my '03 Infiniti QX4. It dropped into place easily & perfectly when I slid it down from the top. The shipping box bragged that it is "First Time Fit", and for me, that wasn't just marketing hype.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr. Anderson says:

    Some how I knew how the double safety joke was going to end!

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Diesel Hatz says:

    Me, I’d WD40 the tap, slap it in a drill, say a quick prayer, and pow, threads in 5 seconds or a busted tap. Win some, lose some.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars litehouse6 says:

    I have a 2000 Frontier 4 cylinder, and it has way less stuff in the engine bay than that one. Interesting the difference between the models of the same truck from the same year.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shane Harrison says:

    Yeah I never worry about the right or wrong lubes I use what works for me and they can do it whichever way works for them

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars HunterShows says:

    As an armchair machinist, I take issue with the way you hold the tap in th-
    no not really :p

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Nelson says:

    LOL, "with any they'll be an inch or two off from where we need them". The voice of experience, gotta love those aftermarket parts that fit every vehicle ever made except the one it is supposed to fit.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jonathan Hageman says:

    It is hard to find good mechanics like you. You take ur time and you don't do a half ass job. Love the channel

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gill Getter says:

    Friend had one great little truck. But Michigan salt ate it up fast.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sean McGuirk says:

    I will elongate the holes on the radiator to fit the shroud tabs, but do it on the bench.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Murphy says:

    Welcoming all to the Avoca school of fluid retention and metallurgy!

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daniel J says:

    I'm disappoint. Don't you know that every time you replace a radiator, you need to also drain and replace the blinker fluid? Geez, what an amateur.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars r3dhorse says:

    Why do they make rads out of plastic now?

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Lopez says:

    I thought Denso was good

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clifford Sandefur says:

    What city are you located?

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars freakymrq says:

    Just changed out the radiator in my dads 08 Ford Edge and it requires taking off the entire front end to get it out because they bolt a wrap around bracket from the back of the radiator to the front of the condenser. Took a couple hours but man is it a PIA. Definitely went OEM motorcraft on that one lol

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GreatNorthernTroll says:

    Don't know about you using the wrong tap-lube, but installing SAE capscrews on a Metric vehicle is way, totally, Ghetto… and unworthy of SMA!
    For shame, Eric… for shame! 🤣🤣🤣

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg from Down Under says:

    Thanks for your videos, I have no need or reason to criticise any job you do, I just enjoy them and learn from them. Why do some people need to be so negative?

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Greer says:

    using a ratchet to spin a tap is a handy way of doing it

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Kingstonian says:

    Pat toss will not be happy with you using those worm gear clamps, lol

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cocora22 says:

    I learn more every time I watch!

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Donald Swink says:

    Did your other mechanic quit, was his name Josh.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr. Anderson says:

    I’m a lathe operator watching his tap job, see nothing wrong with the way he does it. Gets the job done don’t it?😂

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike H. says:

    clean motor for being 20 years old!

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim Bo says:

    Old? My 1987 D21 is still running strong. Rust is not a problem in my area.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DoRight Al says:

    I'm not a machinist, but I watch one on YouTube.

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars AC8WP Amateur Radio Videos says:

    I never trust those spring clamps. Had one go loose on me on the road and the lower radiator hose came off.
    Gear clamps are the way to go!

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan E says:

    How many miles on the truck?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.