Loose Radiator Mounting Bracket

[Spud4449]

Hi everyone, long time reader first time poster. I own a 2005 vibe, 105,000 miles on her and she's getting cranky. Seems when I turn my heater to defrost and just turn it on there is a new noise. I popped the hood to find the source. The radiator/fan housing is shaking on the left side (facing the engine from the front). I checked all the bolts and screws and everyone is tight on both sides. I traced it back to a rubber gasket connection on the left mounting bracket. There seems to be (to me anyway) that there is way too much play with this connection. Wondering if anyone has had the same problem and how they may have gone about repairing it.

Thanks!

[JohnO]

I checked my '06 and there is about 1/8" of movement that is allowed for the radiator relative to the frame. I think this is normal. Maybe your front engine mount is wearing out and allowing the engine to vibrate more than it should. Using the defroster engages the A/C compressor which would increase the vibration more.

[Chiadog]

Check to see that the radiator cooling/AC fan is not unbalanced, broken-off blade, dirt, ice, etc. If it only shakes when the AC (defroster) is on then the problem is most likely the fan.
chiadog