I'm working on my parents' 1998 Grand Prix GT that my sister drives. I've already aquired a new elbow from the stealership.

As I understand it all I have to do is pull the tensioner bracket and swap out the elbow.

Now, is there a gasket under that bracket that I'll need to replace, are there any common problems that arise when doing this swap?

Also, where is the other elbow located? I guess I might as well change it now while I'm in there.

Sorry if these are basic questions, we don't have a service manual for this car.

I appreciate your time.

Jason

Uhmm, I may be wrong but I think the intake has to be lifted to install the plastic coolant elbows...I hope I am wrong for your sake though.

You mean this elbow down the alternator?
If so, I think just have to take off the alt.

1. Remove alternator.

2. Remove bracket.

3. Reassemble with new elbows.

When you take the bracket off there are three bolts holding it on and then the two elbows. I find it handy to have a long screwdriver to aid in the removal of the elbows. But I'm usually trying to preserve them.

Also, if you don't drain the coolant ahead of time it will pour down the backside of the engine when you get the elbows out.

Replacing it involves draining the radiator, removing the drive belt, alternator, and belt tensioner/alternator bracket assembly, where the other end of the elbow goes... The tensioner assembly has a larger elbow with an o-ring that's part of the assembly; once you've removed the alternator and two bolts, wiggle the bracket back and forth, and give it a yank.

Thanks a lot everyone, off I go...

'98's only have the upper elbow.

Make sure to use some gasket maker when you reassemble the new elbow. This will ensure no leaks after reassembly.