Cooler Replacement: How to Change Your Cooler

Hey, during the last maintenance of my Golf TDI (1.9/110HP/year 1998), it was discovered that coolant is leaking from a connection (at the very bottom). Now I want to replace that part. Since I also want to change the headlight at the same time, and I read somewhere that the entire bumper needs to be removed for that, I have a question: Does more need to be removed for the radiator replacement? Is there anything else I should be aware of? There isn't much space there. I've replaced the radiator in a Golf 2 before, and it was relatively easy. Thanks.

Is this a Golf III or a Golf IV?
For the G3, you remove the bumper and the radiator grille (without screws, but using plastic clips) and then the radiator will be in front of you. It takes about half an hour.

/Jan

...sorry, it's a Golf 4. Does anyone have any more tips for the Golf 4? Thanks.

Okay... if you're skilled, you might not even need to remove the side skirt. Remove the electric fan, unclip the frame, remove the upper screws, and then fold the cooler inwards and pull it upwards. You might need to remove the intercooler pipe located behind the headlight (sorry, it's been a long time since I worked on a Golf 4).

Officially, the only way is to lower the SS (or just loosen the fender bolts), then move the lock carrier to the service position (about 10cm forward), and then you have plenty of space. It's nice and good, but it's more time-consuming and requires more screws. However, I'm not a fan of removing the lock carrier.

Which part is leaking exactly? Is it the coolant pipe that runs from the radiator to the engine at the front?

Thank you for the response.
Okay, so it's located on the bottom left, in the direction of travel, or on the bottom right if I'm standing in front of it. I can't really see it clearly, or I'm not sure if it's the connector itself, the radiator, or a piece of hose. There's a pretty solid pipe attached to it somehow. How long is the connector directly on the radiator? Is it just a stub, or are there longer connectors directly on the radiator? What do you think, should I buy the radiator from VW or from an independent retailer? I've sometimes had bad experiences with non-original parts.
How is the stabilizer bar (SS) attached? Is it like the Golf 2, with two bolts on each side, accessible from underneath? Or does the fender liner need to be removed?
Thank you.

Okay, so that 'fixed pipe' is the intake manifold, which is prone to leaking and can be sealed again with a gasket that costs around 1 euro. Every ALH engine in my Golf4 has had this issue so far.
The cooler doesn't even need to be touched for this to happen.

Getting a radiator for a VW will be expensive; a used one from a salvage yard would be better. Just drain it, install it, and you're done.

Expansion:

*Loosen the front-most, bottom Torx screw (1 per side) in the chainstay area.*
*Remove the cooler grill (2 screws), pull it upwards, and place it over the locking bar. You can leave the release lever attached.
*Snap the two outer small ventilation grilles forward.
*Loosen 5 large Torx screws, 3 at the top of the grill and 2 at the bottom near the removed ventilation grilles.*
On the driver's side, either clip off or disconnect the temperature sensor (disconnecting is easier), otherwise you might tear the cable.
*Pull the SS forward and be careful not to scratch the fenders with the SS on the sides.

Ich danke wie verrückt . Werde mal zum Händler fahren und nach der Dichtung fragen. Wenn das klappt mit der Dichtung...die bei VW wollten mir nen neuen Kühler verkaufen-wäre ganz schön dreist. VielYou're very welcome.

Oh, what is an AHL? There are so many abbreviations. Just start getting me involved with working on the Golf4...with the Golf2, everything was so nice and simple .

Okay, here's the translation:

'Man, my Golf 2... *sigh*... I still miss it...'

ALH is the 90 horsepower TDI engine found in the Golf 4/A3 and other models.

Standing in front of the open hood and looking at the engine, the coolant pipe is located on the lower left side (you need to remove the engine cover to see it), opposite the radiator, and connects to the engine. If it's leaking, the pink coolant will drip onto the entire engine block, leaving light pink stains.
The problem is known at VW, but I don't think they're trying to rip you off. That would be too extreme.

Um, did we misunderstand each other? The leak is located on the lower RIGHT side when you are standing in front of the open hood.

Okay, I understand. There's nothing down there that has anything to do with the radiator, if I remember correctly. The radiator hose goes in on the upper right side (when facing it) and comes out on the lower left side, heading towards the engine.
Take a look at my documents tomorrow.

Hey, please don't forget about me... thanks.

Okay, so the coolant goes in through the upper right corner (when you're standing in front of it) and comes out through the lower right corner.

edit/
The radiator is connected to the radiator hoses with easily detachable hose clamps. If this connection leaks, buy stainless steel hose clamps. Remove the hose, collect the coolant, carefully clean the protruding nozzle on the radiator, and reattach the hose along with a new clamp. However, don't tighten the clamp too much; just make sure it's securely fastened.

Based on your description, I can't think of any other possible leak locations.

Hi,
So far so good. I would only collect the coolant for proper disposal. The car is 6 years old, so this is a good opportunity to replace it. It's definitely cheaper than if the radiator actually leaks due to the corrosion protection eventually being used up.

I certainly did not write that the old coolant should be reused. *Take a look* .

Environmentally, it must be captured.

1.5 liters of G12plus costs about 6€, you need 2 cans, so that we don't make the bread greasy and the cooling system is happy....