So I have read and watched the vids on here about replacing the heater core. But are there any other things I should replace while the whole dash is apart?
What else should I replace when replacing a heater core
- Thread starter Iwillrace
- Start date
You should do an inspection of the Evaporator coil.
When my Jeep tech friend and I replaced the heater core on our friends Jeep several years ago; we also replaced the evaporator coil due to the amount of work involved since we didn't want to duplicate our work to access the evaporator at a later time.
When my Jeep tech friend and I replaced the heater core on our friends Jeep several years ago; we also replaced the evaporator coil due to the amount of work involved since we didn't want to duplicate our work to access the evaporator at a later time.
Blower motor might be a consideration.
Mines a 97 so I used a vaccum tool and verified all the doors were working.
I replaced my heater core, evaporator and the accumulator/drier and all the o rings (and a year later my ac compressor just died so now I need to drain again and replace.)
Your going to have the dash apart and the steering wheel out...might want to consider replacing the shaft between the column and the gearbox...check the bushings and play.
Consider sound deadening material on the firewall...wish I had done some.
I want to rig up a cabin air filter on the cowl, too...but that can be done later.
-Mac
Mines a 97 so I used a vaccum tool and verified all the doors were working.
I replaced my heater core, evaporator and the accumulator/drier and all the o rings (and a year later my ac compressor just died so now I need to drain again and replace.)
Your going to have the dash apart and the steering wheel out...might want to consider replacing the shaft between the column and the gearbox...check the bushings and play.
Consider sound deadening material on the firewall...wish I had done some.
I want to rig up a cabin air filter on the cowl, too...but that can be done later.
-Mac
I've never replaced a heater core but I did recently have an adventure replacing my thermostat.
Turns out my upper supply heater hose needed replacement too. YMMV.
Turns out my upper supply heater hose needed replacement too. YMMV.
I re-wired a few things when I had my dash apart for the heater core. It made the task much easier.
That's kinda funny, I deleted all my AC components when I did my heater core.
Also, FWIW, the steering wheel does not need to be removed to get the heater box out. Removing the wheel does free up more space for the dashboard but it's not essential.
There really are too many other things to worry about, other than what's been mentioned here. I found myself cleaning a bunch of things that had never been apart. Tearing the seats out and the center console reveals alot of old dirt/ dust that's hiding in there. Not to mention what collects behind the dash.
Nothing to add as far as while its out, but I will recommend when putting it back together you ensure all fasteners are tight. There aren't a bunch of them, but from my experience if they aren't snug, you will have squeaks and rattles that will drive you insane. Also on my 97, there were several connecters from the wiring harness that went to components that did not come on my Jeep from the factory. I didn't tag these, and spent wasted time trying to find out where they went.
Removing the seats and steering wheel will save you time and frustration, unless you're a contortionist.
Removing the seats and steering wheel will save you time and frustration, unless you're a contortionist.
ChasUGC
TJ Enthusiast
I would do a flush and check for any rust color and/or casting sand in the overflow bottle, and probably change the thermostat to the Oem spec.
On which part?
I used a bypass to connect the input and output to the heater core to bypass it and stoop the leaking.
I was going to add an Auxbeam (8 gang switch) but I ended up putting that above the rear view. It controls lights and lockers accesssoried etc.
Stereo would be a double din replacement, figured I’d change it while the dash was off.
I removed my passenger airbag for more dash space. Have all my airbags disabled so why not. Going to mount a tablet with an articulating arm for navigation.
Have a good selection of foam weather stripping available...most of your foam will be shot.
Consider putting sound deading material on the firewall.
If you're pulling your steering wheel make sure to not rotate it after removal...you'll break or damage the clock spring.
If you need a new steering midshaft now would be the time... although the steering wheel comes out fast.
-Mac
Have a good selection of foam weather stripping available...most of your foam will be shot.
Consider putting sound deading material on the firewall.
If you're pulling your steering wheel make sure to not rotate it after removal...you'll break or damage the clock spring.
If you need a new steering midshaft now would be the time... although the steering wheel comes out fast.
-Mac
LONGJP2
TJ Expert
Whether you remove the steering column or not (I didn't), wrap something around it.
The paint can be scratched very easily when moving the dash around (I tied mine up to the roll bar).
Removing the seats and console help too.