Should I Replace Radiator?

[2007SilverX]

This is my first post on this site, so here goes!

I've had my '07 xterra x for around a year now and I've never had any problems with it. (still don't) I got a letter in the mail from Nissan about participating in the class-action lawsuit xterra owners are filing against Nissan about the radiator leaking engine coolant into the transmission. I've been well-aware of the issue even before they posted a TSB, but it's nice to know the xterra community is trying to "stick it to the man."

Anyway, I was hoping to prevent this problem from happening in the first place to avoid having to pay for a new radiator and tranny once the radiator inevitably switches the fluid. So I was wondering, would replacing the stock radiator with another from Nissan prevent this from happening? I would hate to replace it then find myself out $5000 later if it happens. But if a new $500 radiator would fix the issue, then that would be great!

Thanks, Garrett

[muadeeb]

Just bypass the internal cooler and you'll be fine.

[2007SilverX]

Wouldn't it overheat once you cut off the coolant?

[2007SilverX]

Would replacing the radiator fix it long-term and keep the coolant mix up from happening?

[muadeeb]

There are two tranny coolers on the 2nd gen X; one in the radiator and another sitting in front of the radiator (the external cooler). Many 2nd Gen owners have bypassed the internal one with no real problems. If you do a LOT of towing, then adding a 2nd cooler wouldn't hurt. Here's a writeup: http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=25955

[2007SilverX]

Sounds good to me! Thanks man!