2021 Subaru Outback BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Section 4 (Engine Cooling System (2.4L)): Radiator: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
CAUTION:
  • The engine coolant is pressurized when it is hot. Wait until engine coolant cools down before proceeding the work.
  • If the engine coolant is spilt over the engine, exhaust pipe or the under cover, completely wipe it off to avoid emission of smoke or causing a fire.
  1. Disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor. Ref. to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
  2. Remove the V-belt covers.
    G13949290Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  3. Remove the air intake duct. Ref. to INTAKE (INDUCTION) (H4DOTC)>AIR INTAKE DUCT>REMOVAL .
  4. Remove the reservoir tank. Ref. to COOLING (H4DOTC)>RESERVOIR TANK>REMOVAL .
  5. Drain engine coolant. Ref. to COOLING (H4DOTC)>ENGINE COOLANT>REPLACEMENT>DRAINING OF ENGINE COOLANT .
  6. Remove the center exhaust pipe (front). Ref. to EXHAUST (H4DOTC)>CENTER EXHAUST PIPE>REMOVAL>CENTER EXHAUST PIPE (FRONT) .
  7. Disconnect the connector (A) and connector (B) from the radiator fan harness.
  8. Remove the clip which holds bulkhead wiring harness to the radiator fan shroud.
    G13949291Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Disconnect radiator outlet hose.
    G13949292Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  10. Disconnect the radiator inlet hose.
    G13949293Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. Remove the cover UPR front.
    G13949294Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  12. Remove the bumper face front. Ref. to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>FRONT BUMPER>REMOVAL>BUMPER FACE .
  13. Remove the radiator upper bracket LH and radiator upper bracket RH.
    G13949295Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  14. Using the ST, remove the bolts securing the lower side of condenser assembly to the radiator.

    Preparation tool: 

    ST: SPECIAL TOOL CONDENSER (73099SG000)

    G13949296Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  15. Remove the bracket condenser from the condenser assembly.
    NOTE: This procedure is required to prevent the radiator lower gasket from being damaged when removing the radiator.
    G13949297Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  16. Remove the bolts which hold the upper side of condenser assembly to the radiator.
    G13949298Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  17. Secure the condenser assembly to the vehicle using ropes or other items.
    NOTE: This procedure is required to prevent the condenser assembly from dropping off, and also the pipe evaporator cooling from being damaged.
    G13949299Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  18. Remove the radiator and the radiator fan and fan motor assembly as an assembly.
    CAUTION:
    • Be careful not to damage the condenser assembly and radiator fins.
    • If a damaged fin is found, repair it using a thin screwdriver.
  19. Remove the radiator fan and fan motor assembly from the radiator. Ref. to COOLING (H4DOTC)>RADIATOR FAN AND FAN MOTOR ASSEMBLY>REMOVAL .
  20. Disconnect the radiator outlet hose (A), overflow hose (B) and radiator inlet hose (C) from the radiator.
    G13949300Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  21. Remove the radiator upper gasket (A) and radiator lower gasket (B) from the radiator.
    NOTE: Perform this procedure only when required.
    G13949301Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  22. Remove the radiator lower cushion.
    NOTE: Perform this procedure only when required.
    G13949302Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.