Since there wasnt a "how to" on this and I was going to do it, figured I would make one.



Get new core. (lifetime warranty)

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24642.jpg


Get your tools
-- 10mm deep and shallow sockets (3/8 and 1/4 drive rachet)
-- 12mm socket
-- extension for rackets
-- Phillips screwdriver(s)
-- ziplock bags

First remove the panel under the steering wheel, the trim around the instrument cluster.(most of these will be phillips screws)
The metal bracket under the steering wheel will be 10mm bolts.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24691.jpg

Remove the glove box and the radio trim. The metal bracket behind the glove box is 10mm.
Now would be a good time to start separating the screws that go with each panel/bracket in small ziplock bags.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24687.jpg

Start removing all the screws for the radio, storage pocket, cupholder etc...

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24686.jpg

Panel removed

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24681.jpg

Remove instrument cluster
There is also a screw under cluster that holds dash (dont forget it)

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24678.jpg

2 Nuts, 2 bolts and that screw holds the dash on.
Lower steering wheel (unless you want to remove it also)
So you can get the dash out easier.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24677.jpg

The plastic ducts have to come out so the metal tube support can be removed
There is a screw on the end of the duct.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24676.jpg

There are lots of 10mm nuts and bolts holding this metal support tube in.
I found it made it easier to unbolt the metal brackets that encase the radio so I could separate the tube from them.
The relay/fuse box needs to be slid off the tabs that hold it.
Dont forget to look over every inch for fasteners that hold/route the wiring.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24672.jpg

There are 12mm bolts that hold the steering column.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24671.jpg

Start searching for the cables that operate the HVAC system

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24670.jpg

Another cable...

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24668.jpg

The dryer and evaporator are housed next to the fan.

***Important: my AC has been removed.
So it was no problem for me to remove the dryer and evaporator.
If your AC system is still intact, then removing your heater core might take more effort

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24666.jpg

Remove the 10mm bolts to get the evap/dryer out.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24665.jpg

There is one 10mm bolt up top and two 10mm nuts underneath the heater core housing.
Remove them and take out heater core assembly
(should of already removed the heater lines from engine bay)

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24664.jpg

With heater core assembly out, bring it inside to change out the core.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24660.jpg




Changing the core

Old

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24636.jpg

New

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24642.jpg

Remove the screws and change over the spouts.
Take note of which one is where...

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24643.jpg

Slide into housing, secure with plastic bracket

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24646.jpg

Looks good!

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb110/nx2000det/car/SSL24648.jpg


Now assemble every thing in reverse, Hopefully you used ziplock bags to separate everything.


ENJOY your heat!!!

Wow that looks like a (pita) but this a nice right up my friend. Hopefully I will never have to do this haha.

^^thanks

editing is complete

is this worthy of the Tech Library?

wow..total PITA but thanks for the write up..

only takes about 4 hours for me.

is this worthy of the Tech Library?Great job, I do believe this is the first fully documented heater core removal posted.

Moved to the Tech Library.

C

can an admin host the pictures on here so if i move or delete them on my photobucket account they are not lost?

^ bump?

wow, i just took removed all the climate control in my 98 200sx last week and i didnt quite remove that much. i just took the glove box out and the dash piece under it off. removed everything from the passenger side floor area. it took a couple hours, lots of screws to undo, and some tugging on the evap/dryer. good write up though.

I can't wait to do this on my car. Which will be in a couple of weeks. :rolleyes:

if you organize all the bolts, its really not that big of a trouble