Rear Axillary heater core question

[opfor2]

discovered that I have a small leak in my rear axillary heater core. I just ordered a replacement OEM core from Rock Auto. Do I need to evacuate the AC system in order to replace the core?

 

[opfor2]

So no one's had to replace their rear axillary heater core?

 

[petethepug]

It is the first I’ve seen of a rear heater core going. I’m curious to see if it had plastic end tanks or solid like an a/c core.

I can see that you’d have to evaq the system to get the heater core out. Fingers crossed.

 

[opfor2]

It is the first I’ve seen of a rear heater core going. I’m curious to see if it had plastic end tanks or solid like an a/c core.

I can see that you’d have to evaq the system to get the heater core out. Fingers crossed.

Ya I guess they really don't leak that much for your the only one who answered up. I really don't want to deal with the AC however if I have to I have everything needed. My service manual stated that the AC must be evacuated but sometimes there is a work around. I guess we will find out. I received the OEM core today lol

 

[petethepug]

You’ll be delving into this once the panels removed. I can’t see how gm could of integrated the heater core into the evap coil but you’re right, we’ll see.

 

[strutaeng]

Interesting. I don't even know where the rear heater core is on these SUVs.

It's leaking antifreeze/coolant, right? Where does the leak show up? Inside? It's the same lines that tee off from the front heater core connectors near the firewall?

 

[opfor2]

its leaking coolant out of the drain hole and you can smell it while driving.

 

[opfor2]

You’ll be delving into this once the panels removed. I can’t see how gm could of integrated the heater core into the evap coil but you’re right, we’ll see.

I think they are separate units

 

[opfor2]

I'm revisiting this issue for my leak seems to be getting worse, so has anyone replaced their rear auxiliary heater core? And if so any recommendations??

 

[petethepug]

Here’s the sawzall method of removing the rear hvac. I’m going to assume the heater hoses he cut are readily available for replacement though.

 

[Doubeleive]

Here’s the sawzall method of removing the rear hvac. I’m going to assume the heater hoses he cut are readily available for replacement though.

like how he ends it right there leaving you hanging with those "quick connects" well those are a MAJOR or can be a major pita to remove especially without breaking them which is why he cut the lines to begin with.
all I can add is "good luck with that" if you are lucky you could maybe crush those lines enough to get them out without breaking the plastic

 

[petethepug]

That’s good info because you can learn from other peoples mishaps. Thanks for chiming in to advise that what’s most important is what’s been left out.

 

[opfor2]

Here’s the sawzall method of removing the rear hvac. I’m going to assume the heater hoses he cut are readily available for replacement though.

Ya I saw that and I don't think I'll be doing that lol

 

[petethepug]

If that’s a shop, I wonder if the customers got their vehicles back with the entire rear hvac removed as the fix and not know it.

 

[petethepug]

Get any traction on this yet?

 

[opfor2]

Get any traction on this yet?

According to the service manual I'm going to have to drain the entire cooling system and discharge the AC system. The entire rear unit must be removed

https://charm.li/Chevy Truck/2011/T...and Repair/Auxiliary Heater Core Replacement/

 

[petethepug]

Well, I did see that there were still some OEM rear carpet kits on the internet if you’re looking for an excuse to pull the rear carpet and replace it. Maybe you’ll find a secret compartment with a treasure map

 

[opfor2]

Well, I did see that there were still some OEM rear carpet kits on the internet if you’re looking for an excuse to pull the rear carpet and replace it. Maybe you’ll find a secret compartment with a treasure map

My SSV has a rear rubber mat which is still in good condition, so I'll be keeping it. Now to get motivated to do the job lol.

 

[petethepug]

I didn’t think a new sub bass would motivate, the carpet, ehh maybe. The panels come out pretty quickly. You’ll need to take off the p/s 2nd row seat belt to allow the plastic to be completely removed.

 

[opfor2]

I still have not tackled this project yet however, I found an excellent YouTube video on the subject for anyone else that may need to replace the rear AC coil or heater core.