Air Bleed Housing Assembly Replacement Cost Estimate

What parts do I need for my air bleed housing assembly replacement?

You can refer to your vehicle repair guide or owner’s manual for more comprehensive information. However, here is a general overview of the parts you might require:

• Air bleed housing assembly: This component is essential for the replacement process. Prices for this part vary depending on your vehicle, ranging from $20 to upwards of $100.
• Coolant: Prior to replacing the air bleed housing assembly, you'll need to drain the engine coolant. After the replacement, you'll need to refill the system with fresh coolant. A one-gallon container of coolant typically costs between $10 and $30.

We recommend purchasing these parts from MyMechanic. Reputable options are advisable for their reliability. However, recommended options may vary based on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

How will a mechanic replace my air bleed housing assembly?

If you seek assistance from a mechanic for the replacement, here are the general steps they will typically follow:

• Allow the engine to cool completely.
• Drain the coolant.
• Locate the air bleed housing assembly—it resembles a black box with a bleeder screw on the top and is usually positioned near the highest point of the cooling system or the thermostat housing.
• Disconnect any hoses attached to the air bleed housing assembly.
• Remove the mounting hardware of the assembly.
• Take out the old air bleed housing assembly.
• Position the new assembly and install the mounting hardware.
• Replace any hoses that were disconnected.
• Refill the system with coolant.
• Bleed the cooling system.
• Check for leaks while the engine is running.

What happens if I don’t replace my air bleed housing assembly?

If you don’t replace a faulty air bleed housing assembly, you risk developing the following issues:

• Coolant airlocks: In the event that the air bleed housing assembly fails to release air, pockets of air may accumulate in the engine cooling system, obstructing the flow of coolant. This can diminish the efficiency of the cooling system and potentially result in reduced performance and engine damage.
• Engine overheating: Airlocks within the system can lead to engine overheating, which can cause significant and costly damage.
• Coolant leaks: A malfunctioning air bleed housing assembly can lead to coolant leaks.
• Expensive repairs: Should a faulty air bleed housing assembly cause coolant leaks or airlocks, it may result in severe damage such as blown gaskets or a seized engine, necessitating expensive repairs.

What is an air bleed housing assembly?

The air bleed housing assembly plays a crucial role in removing air bubbles trapped in the cooling system. These air bubbles can impede the proper circulation of coolant through the engine block, leading to overheating issues.

Typically positioned at the highest point of the cooling system, the air bleed housing assembly allows air to collect beneath it as it rises. Many modern assemblies are designed to passively purge air as it accumulates beneath them.

In older systems, bleeder screws are mounted on top of the assembly. When the bleeder valve is opened, air escapes from the system, aiding in maintaining proper coolant circulation.

When should I replace the air bleed housing assembly on my car?

There is no set replacement schedule for the air bleed housing assembly. That means you should only replace yours when it fails. Here are the most common signs of a bad air bleed housing assembly:

• Engine overheating: When the air bleed housing assembly fails to release air bubbles, the cooling system may struggle to circulate coolant effectively, leading to engine overheating problems.
• Coolant leaks: Leakage of coolant is a common indicator of a malfunctioning air bleed housing assembly.
• Strange sounds: Bubbling or gurgling noises from the cooling system may indicate trapped air inside, signaling a potential issue with the air bleed housing assembly.
• Erratic temperature gauge: Fluctuations in the dashboard temperature gauge could suggest a malfunctioning air bleed housing assembly.
• Coolant discoloration: Air trapped in the coolant may cause it to appear milky or frothy, indicating a possible problem with the air bleed housing assembly.
• Reduced heater performance: Air bubbles in the coolant can impact the efficiency of the heater core, resulting in decreased heating performance in the vehicle.

How often should I replace my air bleed housing assembly?

The air bleed housing assembly generally does not require regular maintenance or scheduled replacement. It only needs to be replaced if it malfunctions. However, because of its location and function, the average driver is unlikely to notice if the air bleed housing assembly is faulty. Typically, a mechanic will detect the issue during a routine radiator service. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain your cooling system and adhere to regular maintenance schedules.

Can I replace my air bleed housing assembly myself?

Replacing an air bleed housing can be a suitable do-it-yourself (DIY) project, provided you possess the necessary knowledge and tools. This task is generally classified as a mid-level job, requiring fundamental mechanical skills and an understanding of automotive cooling systems. Home mechanics with moderate experience should find replacing the coolant air bleeder relatively straightforward, while beginners may encounter difficulties. If you lack confidence in your automotive repair abilities, it's advisable to seek assistance from a professional mechanic.

FAQs

Do I need to bleed a car radiator? What happens if you don’t bleed air from a radiator? How do I know if air is trapped in my radiator?