2006-2007 Saturn Vue Radiator Support: A Guide to Collision Damage and Replacement

Symptoms of a Damaged Front End Assembly

Because the radiator support is a structural body part, it is almost never replaced due to mechanical failure. Damage is nearly always the result of a front-end collision, even a minor one. The symptoms of a damaged support are the direct results of this impact.

• Poor Panel Alignment: The most obvious sign is that the front body panels no longer fit together correctly. You may notice uneven or excessively large gaps between the hood and fenders, or where the bumper cover meets the headlights and grille.
• Hood Latching Issues: If the support is bent, the hood latch mechanism may be out of alignment, making the hood difficult to close, latch securely, or open.
• Unusual Noises: A rattling, clunking, or vibrating sound from the front of the vehicle can indicate that the radiator support is cracked or broken, allowing the radiator and other components to move around.
• Cooling System Problems: A support that is bent or broken can no longer hold the radiator securely. This can put stress on the radiator itself and the attached coolant hoses, potentially leading to coolant leaks and engine overheating. In some cases, a damaged support might push the cooling fan into the radiator, causing significant damage.
• Visible Damage: In many cases, you can see cracks, bends, or breaks in the support itself by looking down into the engine bay from above or by removing the front bumper cover.

Buying a Used 2006-2007 Vue Front End Assembly: What to Check

For a vehicle of this age, a used OEM radiator support is often the best choice, providing superior fit and durability compared to low-cost aftermarket alternatives. Aftermarket supports are notorious for having misaligned mounting holes, which can turn a straightforward repair into a frustrating ordeal of drilling and modification. Here’s what to inspect on a used part:

1. Check for Cracks and Fractures: Carefully inspect the entire part, especially around the headlight mounting areas, the upper tie bar, and where it bolts to the vehicle's frame rails. These are high-stress areas that can crack even in a minor impact.
2. Look for Bends and Warping: Lay the support on a flat surface to check for any twisting or warping. Place a straightedge across different points to ensure it's true. A bent support will make proper panel alignment impossible.
3. Inspect for Previous Repairs: Be wary of parts that show signs of previous repair. Look for non-factory welds, evidence of plastic welding, or the use of body filler (Bondo). These repairs may not hold up over time or in a subsequent collision.
4. Verify All Mounting Points are Intact: Ensure all tabs, brackets, and threaded inserts are present and undamaged. These are needed for attaching the headlights, grille, bumper, and cooling components. Broken tabs are a major red flag.
5. Confirm Compatibility: While the main support was consistent from 2002-2007, always double-check that the part you are buying came from a vehicle with the same engine and options to ensure all brackets are correct.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins

There are no recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) specifically for the radiator support of the 2006-2007 Saturn Vue. While recalls exist for other issues on the Vue, such as the ignition switch and power steering, none pertain to the vehicle's front-end structure. An emissions service campaign was issued for 2007 Vue Green Line Hybrid models related to the hybrid battery, but this does not affect the radiator support.

Replacement Cost Comparison

The cost to replace a radiator support varies based on the source of the part and labor rates. New OEM parts are likely discontinued and difficult to find.

Installation Difficulty & Procedure Overview

Difficulty: 4 out of 5

Replacing the radiator support is a complex and labor-intensive job that is not recommended for beginners. It requires significant disassembly of the front of the vehicle. While a detailed, step-by-step guide is beyond this article's scope, the general process involves:

• Disconnecting the battery.
• Removing the front bumper cover and reinforcement bar.
• Removing the headlights and grille.
• Disconnecting the hood latch and cable.
• Evacuating the A/C system (requires specialized equipment) and disconnecting the condenser.
• Draining the engine coolant and disconnecting the radiator and its hoses.
• Unbolting and removing the entire cooling module (radiator, condenser, fans).
• Unbolting the old radiator support from the vehicle's frame rails.
• Transferring any necessary components to the new support.
• Installing the new support and reassembling everything in reverse order.
• Refilling the cooling system and recharging the A/C system.

Due to the complexity and the need for specialized tools like an A/C recovery machine, this job is best left to an experienced technician or a body shop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

OEM Part Numbers

The following OEM part numbers are associated with the front end of the 2006-2007 Saturn Vue. This list may include the radiator support as well as other related components like fenders and brackets. Buyers should always verify the specific part number required for their vehicle's VIN and the component they are replacing. For example, part number 15842337 is widely listed as a front fender, not the radiator support. A common part number for the radiator support itself is 15805640 (cross-references to aftermarket GM1225215).

• 10335108
• 15145505
• 15213121
• 15251205
• 15793219
• 15809931
• 15840441
• 15842336
• 15842337
• 15877228
• 19167585
• 22734378
• 22736918
• 22949860