Heater Core Replacement Tips?

12-28-2005, 11:24 AM

My 99 alero is leaking antifreeze right where the heater hoses connect to the heater core at the firewall. I was told the heater core had to be replaced. Anyone out there been through this before and have any tips?

AftermathAlero · 12-28-2005, 01:27 PM

you sure it isn't the hose connection itself? on it? that would be the cheapest fix.. for another heater hose and clamps. then if it still leaks then the problem would be the heater core.

12-28-2005, 01:32 PM

The heater hoses and clamps are dry, its leaking around the heat core mounting flange on the firewall.

I took to the local repair shop and they said it would be $700 to replace it. For that kind of money, I'll work on it myself even if it takes a few days. But it would be a big help jearing from someone who has been through this before.

AftermathAlero · 12-28-2005, 02:47 PM

yup sounds about right. to get to the heater core, you would need to take out the dash. In order to do that, you need to pull off the steering wheel(with the correct puller) ... etc and all that good stuff. Have fun doing it. The dash is simple to take out. But if you have no experience pull off the steering wheels, make you realign it back in the same spot.

In order to take the dash out, you'll need to take out the seats, center console, too.

If you want to attempt to do it on your own, goto autozone or any auto parts store and get a haynes manual for the alero for $30. They have step by step instruction.

12-28-2005, 03:01 PM

Thanks, I had no idea the steering wheel would have to come off.

I'll buy the Haynes manual and then decide if its within my capabilities. Mr. Goodwrench says its a 7 hr job.

AftermathAlero · 12-29-2005, 12:47 AM

ya ripping your dash out then taking out the HVAC system out and replacing does take alot of time. Then refilling the coolant and bleeding the lines..etc.

sound_xtreme · 12-29-2005, 10:41 PM

ya, i'd say thatd proly be close to a 7hr job. possibly even more if you've no clue wut ur doin.

K Dan · 01-02-2006, 07:18 PM

You might not have to take the steering wheel off. The steering column should be bolted to the frame thats behind the dash. If You just take those bolts out and lower the column, the steering wheel wont be in the way. You'll have to lower the column anyway to pull the frame forward a little to get the core out. You'll also have to suck dow the AC and recharge it when your done. Other than that it's pretty straight forward.

sound_xtreme · 01-03-2006, 01:46 AM

you can't lower the column without taking the dash out. lol