Mechanics Have given me 2 repair options for leaking coolant, i have many questioNs!

[MySubygovrrr]

(First of all, love this community, thanks for giving my post a quick read through. Just made account, not sure how to post car specs see below)

 

 

2003 Subaru Legacy/Liberty 2.5RX Wagon (non-turbo)

179,576 Miles

 

 

They werent sure if it was the top hose causing the leak or whether it was coming from the Radiator itself. There are small signs of coolant leaks Running along the Entire length of the top of the RAD’s teeth/housing. Although they weren’t convinced that it was significant enough to warrant a New RAD until I brought it back the next day asking why the coolant was so low.

 

The two options they’ve given me are:

1. Replace top RAD hose for coolant leak And hope that was the route of the problem. Quote: 155$ (USD)

 

2. Replace the RAD Completely. Quote: 435$ (USD).

 

I’m hesitant to get a full RAD replacement simply because of the cost. But i was thinking since the RAD has never been replaced after 179,576 Miles driven, could it be worth it to pay for a replacement anyway?

 

How difficult is it to replace the RAD at home, without a lift or getting under the car?

 

I attempted to cancel the replacement of the top hose that I initially booked a replacement for, because I had a change of heart and wanted to attempt to replace it myself, seeming how it looks quite simple. BUT when i went to cancel it, they said I cant cancel because they had to order the parts in. Can i really not cancel? Am i legally responsible for the cost of the parts they purchased following our conversation, prior to installation?

 

I understand this is a lot of questions. I would be incredibly greatfull to get any response on any of my questions. THanks all!

[Infosecdad]

From my experience when you have marks of coolant leak along the entire length, it's when the upper seam of the radiator is letting go. I had this happen and replaced the radiator earlier this year on my Legacy.

 

If you haven't replaced the upper and lower hose in a while (or ever), I would recommend replacing both of them as well because you don't really want to have to do it again soon if one of them was near end of life.

 

If it was me, I would also replace the thermostat (OEM only) as well if it's been a while so that I don't have to open up the cooling system again for a good long time.

 

It's something you can do at home. You will need to reach under to open the drain for the radiator and loosen the clamp on the lower hose (and replace the thermostat if you go that route).

 

As for the legal questions, I have no idea what the laws in Australia are like for that. If you want to do it yourself, then I would go pay them for the part they ordered and leave it at that.

[doublechaz]

That story about can't cancel doesn't sound right, but I don't know how consumer law works down there, but the hose should be in the $20 to $30 range at most. Buy the hose from them. Do the job at home. It's not a big deal to do it.

 

+1 for Infosecdad's comment to replace lower hose while you are in there. I would add that you should only get a genuine Subaru thermostat. Some of the parts store units are not up to the task. I had one where the hole was half the size of the OE unit and the car constantly ran very hot with it from lack of flow. Put in an OE thermostat and everything was back to normal.

[08SpecB_DE]

They can send the part back. They should have pressure tested the system to find the source of the leak. The radiator is quite easy to remove, I recommend new spring clamps for both radiator hoses as well.