Best Radiator for Jeep Liberty Review

Buyer’s Guide

Ok, that’s it for my top-five third-party radiators for the Liberty. If you’re 100% happy with at least one of the units, just go ahead and get it! On the other hand, if you like these radiators, but still want to check out some other options, this guide will be of great help. Here, we’ll talk about the importance of build quality, efficiency, the tubes, rows, ease of installation, pricing, and more.

#1: Engineering + Materials

What’s the best material for an aftermarket radiator? Well, for the main body, you want to go with aluminum. This is one of the most heat- and corrosion-resistant materials on the planet, which makes it a perfect choice for this. More specifically, brazed aluminum has proven to be highly efficient and effective. Stainless steel is almost as good as aluminum but slightly less efficient. Besides, it’s not very popular these days.

A quick note: some parts of the cooling system (say, the tanks or the gaskets) are crafted from high-density polymer plastic, and that’s also an industry standard. As for the overall construction quality, I always look at the manufacturer first. If it’s a trusted brand with a stellar reputation, best believe the engineering will be decent. If you see “TIG-welded” in the specs, that means the radiator will be durable and reliable.

#2: Cooling Efficiency Comes Next

Radiators were invented with one single goal in mind: to cool down engines and prevent premature overheating. So, now that we’ve talked about materials and build quality, let’s see how we can check efficiency. Most companies like to brag about their radiators and put something like “20% more efficient” on the package. This is compared to the factory gear, of course. For most drivers, a 20% boost is actually a good deal.

However, if you’re an off-roading fan, I would recommend looking elsewhere. The Liberty’s cooling system isn’t very impressive, which is why the radiator needs to be as strong as possible. The finest units are up to 45% better at cooling the motor, and that’s what you should go for. Capacity is another important factor. The higher the capacity, the more effective the radiator will be at its job.

#3: Core Volume and Rows

Last, but not least, check the core volume slash tube area. Again, the bigger the radiator panels/fins, the more capable it will be of handling the most extreme temperature spikes. Next, we need to discuss radiator rows. Here are the facts: every single radiator consists of tubes that the coolant flows through. A row describes how many tube lines the radiator has: one, two, or three.

And in most cases, extra tube rows equal better cooling. However, that’s not a universal rule. Sometimes, brands use multiple tube layers as a marketing move, when in reality, they’re not as efficient. That’s right: a single-row radiator can be better than one with three rows. But, that’s more of an exception to the rule.

#4: Packaging and Warranty

There isn’t much to worry about with the package. Just make sure it includes all the necessary hardware. Otherwise, you’ll have to order a new set (unless you kept the factory hardware, of course). As for the warranty, most radiators usually come with a one-year/12K miles warranty. The more expensive kits will be protected by a lifetime warranty or a replacement guarantee.

#5: How Much Does a Decent Radiator Cost?

The quick answer – not much. First, let me say that if you take proper care of your radiator, it will serve for 7-8 years or even a decade. A brand-new unit, in turn, can cost as low as $80, and it will perform much better than the stock gear. But, if you want premium material quality, advanced engineering techniques, and at least a standard warranty, the price will be in the 250-350 bucks range.

For the average Liberty driver, the “sweet spot” is $100-150. For that kind of money, you’ll be able to get a “workhorse” that will keep the engine in optimal shape by preventing overheating or something worse. So, yes, the average price on a new radiator from a big brand is quite reasonable.

What Info Do I Need to Know to Order a Radiator for my Jeep Liberty?

We just talked about build quality, materials, radiator efficiency, and warranty deals. And, these are all very important factors that can “make it or break it” for any aftermarket radiator. However, the first thing to check before buying a brand-new radiator is compatibility. This term is used to describe whether the radiator will fit your vehicle, or not. Thus, you need to know the exact make, model, and year of your Liberty SUV.

Once you get that right, it will be just a matter of picking a radiator that fits all those parameters and comes at a reasonable price. The engine also matters. Say, some radiators are specifically designed to be a perfect fit for the 3.7-lit six-cylinder motor. Others only work with the 2.4-lit 4-cylinder engine. And then you’ve got units that are compatible with other units.

A quick note: some auto/body shops and online stores ask the driver to provide info on the Jeep’s generation and model year. Others only require the trim level; sometimes, that’s enough to figure out what engine the SUV is packing. But how do you figure out the exact name of your Liberty and engine? Well, you could always refer to the user manual. And what if it’s nowhere to be found?

Step out of the vehicle and check the back: there, you should find the brand’s name on one side, and the model on the other. Plus, there’s always the big logo that’s hard to miss. The Title and Registration documents will include all the necessary data as well. You could also try going back to the dealership, but they won’t disclose any information unless you can prove that you are, indeed, the owner.

Alright, that is pretty much all you need to know before making a confident order online or at a local store without having to worry about compatibility. Speaking of fitment, I already mentioned that the package should include the necessary hardware for a fast, trouble-free installation. Oh, and remember that mechanics tend to charge 80-90% of the radiator cost. So, if you pull off the installation on your own, that will save some big bucks!

How to Bleed Cooling System on a Jeep Liberty?

This might sound like a big deal, but it actually isn’t, as long as you do this “by the book”. Now, the term “bleeding” is used to describe the process of removing air from the cooling system. Air is one of the biggest enemies of any fluid, including oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and more. When there’s too much air, the liquid loses its efficiency and fails at doing its job (like keeping the engine from overheating).

Every time you replace the stock radiator, you gotta flush the coolant – that’s a universal rule. And, when fresh coolant is added after installing the new radiator, bleeding is usually an issue. So, here’s what you should do to bleed the Liberty’s cooling system properly:

• First, remove the radiator cap
• Next, go ahead and put a funnel to add some coolant and fill the radiator
• This will help remove most of the air bubbles – they’ll just come to the surface
• Once the radiator is full (and not getting low because of air escaping the system), get into the cabin
• Start the Liberty and set the heat to the far right – the highest setting
• You’ll instantly feel the air coming out of the vents
• Set the fan to the lowest possible setting. This way, you can check the coolant’s temperature
• Don’t let the coolant level drop – keep it topped off for this to work
• Once the motor gets a bit “worked up”, the liquid level will drop
• This will be the thermostat letting the coolant flow into the block
• So, put the cap back on and let the coolant run for a minute or two
• Get back into the driver’s seat and take the vehicle for a quick test
• I recommend checking on the coolant level the next day to make sure it hasn’t dropped

What Tools are Used to Change a Radiator for a Jeep Liberty?

Let me start by saying that you won’t need any expensive, pro-grade tools that cost a fortune. Most of the equipment that is required to remove the factory radiator and install a new one is probably already collecting dust in your garage. And, it takes a lot more time and effort to remove the stock radiator than to install the aftermarket unit. Here’s a quick breakdown of all the tools you’ll need for this:

• A wrench set (you can get a regular one from the local hardware store)
• A screwdriver and/or pliers (it would be best to have both)
• A jack with a set of jack stands to lift the SUV

That’s it! As I just said, the list of the necessary tools isn’t very big. However, there are still some things that are absolutely necessary for a successful replacement. Take a look:

• Fresh coolant (to add into the system after you’ve flushed the old coolant)
• An old bucket (where you can empty the old antifreeze)
• A thermostat (some radiators include one, by the way)
• A set of hoses + hose clamps for the new radiator
• Protective gloves and a pair of eye goggles

Some experts also recommend getting your hands on a Chilton or Haynes manual, but I always prefer using the radiator’s instructions instead. While the installation process is mainly the same, there might still be some minor differences that should be taken into consideration. And remember to not rush yourself. To properly remove the old radiator and to put the third-party one in its place, you’ll need at least one or two hours.

On the bright side, this can be done manually – you won’t have to ask a friend to lend a helping hand. It all comes down to following the user manual closely and using the right tools for the job. And if the stock bolts are a bit rusty and don’t want to come off, some penetrating oil should fix that right up.