Buy Toyota 4Runner Radiator Support

Quick Summary

A radiator support-also called a radiator core support, front panel, or upper tie-bar-is the metal frame at the very nose of your Toyota 4Runner that holds the radiator, A/C condenser, hood latch, headlights, and even a pair of crash-sensing air-bag sensors. (Toyota 4Runner Forum, Toyota 4Runner Forum) It is welded to the truck's front sheet-metal, made of high-strength steel for strength with low weight, and it doubles as part of the SUV's front crash structure. (Amazon, I-CAR) Because it catches road spray, it can rust long before other body parts, so many owners look for replacements or rust-proofing tips. (Toyota 4Runner Forum, Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]

Job & Location

The support sits just behind the grille. It keeps the radiator square, lines up both fenders, and provides a solid mount for the hood latch so the hood closes right every time. (Toyota 4Runner Forum) It also carries crash sensors that tell the air-bag computer when to deploy. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com], Toyota 4Runner Forum) If this frame bends or rusts away, panels stop lining up, the hood may not latch, and cooling parts can shake loose.

Materials

Toyota stamps the support from high-strength steel, the same alloy family used in many crash parts. (Amazon, American Iron and Steel Institute) Steel is 100 % recyclable, so old parts can go back into the steel supply instead of landfills.

Common Problems

• Surface or perforation rust-road salt and trapped moisture under factory foam blocks are frequent culprits. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com], )
• Collision damage-even a low-speed deer strike can tweak the thin sheet-metal around the hood latch. (Tacoma World)
• Sensor or wiring issues-a hard hit can break the crash-sensor brackets, setting an SRS light. (Toyota 4Runner Forum)

Signs You Need One

1. Hood sits high or won't latch.
2. Headlights aim off-center, even after adjustment.
3. Radiator or condenser looks tilted.
4. You spot bubbling paint, flaky rust, or a hole in the lower cross-member. (Toyota 4Runner Forum)

Replacement Basics

DIYers drill out spot welds, lift the radiator and A/C condenser aside, slide the old frame out, then weld or bolt the new piece in place before repainting. (Toyota 4Runner Forum, Toyota 4Runner Forum) Expect 6-8 labor hours in a body shop plus a four-wheel alignment afterward. Professional guides from I-CAR/Toyota Collision Repair show factory weld locations and corrosion-protection steps.

Rust Prevention

• Rinse salt off the front cross-member after winter driving.
• Peel back or remove the lower foam pad if you live in a rust-belt state, then spray wax-based cavity sealer. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com])
• Touch up paint chips quickly; Toyota's 60-month corrosion-perforation warranty only covers original panels.

Off-Road Mods

High-clearance steel bumpers and winch plates may require trimming or reinforcing the support. (HeftyFabworks) Some fabricators build tubular "core supports" that bolt to the frame to keep strength while adding tire clearance.

Cost Snapshot

• Aftermarket stamped steel support: roughly US $100-$340 (part-only). (Toyota 4Runner Forum)
• Body-shop labor & paint: US $600-$1,200 depending on weld time and color match.
• Extra parts: hood-latch support bracket or bumper side supports may also be replaced if bent. (eBay, NHTSA)

Recycling Impact

Scrapping a corroded support returns about 20 lb of steel to the recycling loop, saving energy equal to powering a home for almost a day, according to the American Iron & Steel Institute. (American Iron and Steel Institute)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a radiator support actually do?
A: It is the front "picture frame" that locks the radiator, condenser, headlights, hood latch, and fenders into the correct position while doubling as part of the crash crumple zone. (Toyota 4Runner Forum)

Q: Is it welded in or can I unbolt it?
A: On 4Runners it is factory-welded; you must drill spot welds to remove it and weld the new one.

Q: Why are there yellow-plug sensors on it?
A: Those are front impact sensors for the air-bag system; they need exact placement and torque. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com], Toyota 4Runner Forum)

Q: Can I drive with a rusty support?
A: Surface rust is repairable, but holes weaken crash strength and can let the radiator move-replace it before it spreads. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com])

Q: Does Toyota cover rust on this piece?
A: Only for the first 60 months under the corrosion-perforation warranty and only if the original panel is still installed.

Q: Do aftermarket bumpers affect it?
A: Yes; some heavy off-road bumpers require trimming the upper tie-bar or adding gussets for winch loads. (HeftyFabworks)

Q: What tools are needed for DIY replacement?
A: Spot-weld cutter, MIG welder, drill, seam-sealer, weld-through primer, torque wrench for sensor brackets, and paint supplies. (Toyota 4Runner Forum)

Q: Will I lose A/C refrigerant when I swap it?
A: Not if you unbolt the condenser and hang it forward with bungee cords; no lines need to open. (Toyota 4Runner Forum)

Q: How do I keep it from rusting again?
A: Remove the lower foam strip or drill drain holes, apply cavity wax yearly, and rinse off winter salt. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com])

Q: Are there plastic versions?
A: No-crash regulations require steel for this structural member on the 4Runner. (I-CAR)

Useful links:

• Toyota collision weld locations -
• Steel recycling facts - American Iron & Steel Institute
• Radiator basics - Wikipedia