Buy Chrysler Pacifica Radiator Support

Quick Overview

The radiator support-also called a core support, radiator cradle, or front cross-member-is the stiff frame that holds the radiator, A/C condenser, cooling fan, and hood latch at the front of every Chrysler Pacifica. It also connects the fenders and helps the van absorb crash energy. When this part bends, cracks, or rusts, engine-cooling parts can shake loose, the hood may not latch, and crash protection drops.

What It Does

• The support keeps the radiator, transmission cooler, and condenser aligned so coolant and refrigerant flow without leaks (Painted Auto Parts).
• It ties into the upper rails and bumper beam to share crash loads with the crumple zone (Wikipedia, Repairer Driven News).
• On 2017-2025 Pacificas the frame mixes plastic and high-strength steel to cut weight while staying rigid (Pacifica Forums).

Location & Materials

• Sits behind the grille and ahead of the engine.
• Upper tie-bar section is injection-molded polymer; lower legs and mounting tabs are coated steel (pnlestimology.com).
• Models built for towing packages add extra gussets near the fan shroud seats (Pacifica Forums).

Signs of Damage

• Radiator or A/C condenser droops or touches the frame (YouTube).
• Hood will not close evenly or pops up on bumps (Pacifica Forums).
• Coolant puddles just behind the bumper from cracked tanks now under stress (Pacifica Forums).
• Rust flakes on steel brackets or white powder on aluminum rivets (Reddit).

Fitment Details

• Fits first-gen Pacifica (2004-2008) and second-gen minivans & Voyager twins (2017-present); engines: 3.6 L Pentastar V6 and plug-in hybrid (Pacifica Forums).
• Hybrid models keep the same mounting points; extra HV-cooler sits on a separate tray, so the main support part number stays unchanged (Pacifica Forums).
• Check VIN sticker production month-late-2024 vans may carry updated bracket bolts after NHTSA safety bulletin 25V-191 (NHTSA).

Installation Steps

• Remove front bumper cover, grille, and headlamps.
• Disconnect radiator hoses, A/C lines (have system evacuated first), wiring, and hood-latch cable.
• Unbolt upper tie-bar and lower legs; on some trims drill out four plastic rivets (YouTube).
• Swap over rubber isolators and fan shroud clips to the new cradle.
• Re-torque mounting bolts to 26 ft-lb; re-charge A/C; bleed coolant (Autodoc Club).

Cost & Labor

• Part price ranges $180-$550 depending on material mix and certifications (steel-reinforced versions cost more) (pnlestimology.com).
• Flat-rate labor averages 4-6 hours because front fascia, lamps, and coolant must come off (YouTube).
• Body shops often charge structural set-up fees since the support lines up frame rails for crash safety (Repairer Driven News).

Maintenance Tips

• Spray wash road salt from the lower cross-bar each winter to slow rust (Reddit).
• Replace worn radiator bushings early; loose mounts hammer the plastic tie-bar and cause cracks (Pacifica Forums).
• Inspect after even low-speed fender-benders; the part is designed to crumple to protect passengers (Wikipedia).

Environmental Impact

• Most Chrysler supports blend recycled steel and polypropylene; both can be reclaimed at metal yards (supermetal.com.au).
• Recycling one steel cradle saves up to 75 % of the energy needed to smelt new metal (Scrap Metal Services).
• Drain coolant into sealed containers-used antifreeze can't go down the drain under EPA rules (US EPA, US EPA).

Related Components

• Hood latch & micro-switch
• Upper radiator hose
• A/C condenser and drier
• Cooling fan shroud clips
• Active grille-shutter actuators (on hybrid)

DIY Safety

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing the hood-latch sensor.
• Support the radiator with a strap; the cradle is its only mount.
• Wear eye protection when drilling factory rivets; bits can shatter (YouTube).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the radiator support sometimes called a "core support"?
A: It sits around the cooling core-radiator, condenser, and trans-cooler-so many techs shorten the name to "core support." (Painted Auto Parts)

Q: Is this part structural or cosmetic?
A: It is a light-duty structural member that lines up the front rails and absorbs some crash impact, which is why collision-repair guides list it under structural components. (Repairer Driven News)

Q: Can I keep driving if the tie-bar is cracked?
A: Driving is risky. A broken support can let the hood unlatch or cause coolant leaks that overheat the engine. (Pacifica Forums)

Q: What tools do I need for replacement?
A: Basic metric sockets, panel-clip pliers, plastic-rivet drill bit, and a torque wrench are enough for most trims. (YouTube)

Q: Do hybrid Pacificas use a different frame?
A: No. The cradle geometry is the same; hybrids add separate coolant lines for the battery pack. (Pacifica Forums)

Q: How long does the job take for a first-time DIYer?
A: Plan on a full Saturday-about eight hours-because bumper removal, coolant drain, and A/C evac add time. (YouTube)

Q: What rust-proofing works best?
A: After install, brush self-etch primer on exposed steel brackets, then spray a rubberized under-coat to seal out salt. (Reddit)

Q: Is alignment needed after replacing just the support?
A: A front-end alignment is smart because bumper-rail shimming can shift wheel toe. (pnlestimology.com)

Q: Where can I see official crash-test data?
A: Visit the NHTSA Pacifica overview page for frontal and side ratings. (NHTSA)

Q: How do I recycle the old part responsibly?
A: Drop it at a scrap-metal yard-steel and plastic are both accepted. Drain and recycle any leftover coolant per EPA guidelines. (supermetal.com.au, US EPA)

Need more help? Check your local service manual or accredited body-repair guide for torque specs and safety steps specific to your van.