An aftermarket OEM-fit semi truck radiator costs $800 to $2,500 CAD for the part alone. Add labour — typically 4 to 8 hours at $120 to $180 per hour — and the total replacement bill runs $1,200 to $3,300 CAD depending on make, model, shop location, and whether you go dealership or independent.
Those numbers apply to quality aftermarket radiators that meet OEM specifications. A genuine OEM radiator from a dealership runs $3,000 to $6,000+ CAD for the part alone — most fleet operators don't need to spend that much.
Aftermarket OEM-fit radiators meet the same specifications as factory parts at a fraction of the dealership price. For most Class 8 trucks in Canadian fleets, aftermarket is the right call.
In This Guide
Full Cost Breakdown: Part + Labour
Here's how the numbers break down for a typical Class 8 semi truck radiator replacement in Canada in 2026:
| Item | Cost Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aftermarket OEM-fit radiator | $800 – $2,500 | Meets OEM specs; most fleet operators choose this |
| OEM / dealership radiator | $3,000 – $6,000+ | Genuine factory part; rarely necessary |
| Radiator recore | $600 – $1,400 | Replace core only; only viable if tanks are undamaged |
| Labour (independent shop) | $480 – $1,080 | 4–8 hrs at $120–$135/hr |
| Labour (dealership) | $720 – $1,440 | 4–8 hrs at $180–$220/hr |
| Coolant (flush + refill) | $80 – $200 | Always replace coolant during a radiator swap |
| Total (aftermarket + independent) | $1,200 – $3,300 | Most common scenario for Canadian fleets |
| Total (OEM + dealership) | $4,000 – $8,000+ | Rarely justified unless under factory warranty |
Bottom line: For the vast majority of Class 8 trucks, an aftermarket OEM-fit radiator from a reputable supplier plus independent shop labour is the correct choice. You get the same performance and fit as a dealership job at roughly half the cost.
Semi Truck Radiator Price by Make
Radiator prices vary by make due to differences in core size, material, and parts availability. Trucks with larger cooling systems (higher-output engines) or less common makes command higher prices. Here are typical aftermarket OEM-fit prices for common Class 8 trucks in Canada:
| Make / Model | Aftermarket Price (CAD) | Common Application |
|---|---|---|
| Freightliner Cascadia | $900 – $1,600 | Detroit DD13, DD15, DD16 — high availability |
| Kenworth T680 | $1,000 – $1,800 | Paccar MX-11, MX-13 — wide fitment range |
| Peterbilt 579 / 389 | $1,000 – $1,900 | Paccar MX series; 389 tends higher due to age |
| Volvo VNL | $950 – $1,700 | D13, D16 — good aftermarket availability |
| Mack Anthem / Pinnacle | $1,100 – $2,000 | MP7, MP8 — fewer suppliers, slightly higher price |
| International LT / RH | $900 – $1,700 | Cummins X15, A26 — good parts availability |
| Western Star 49X / 57X | $1,200 – $2,500 | Detroit DD series — higher due to lower volume |
| Hino / Sterling / Older makes | $800 – $1,800 | Varies; some have limited aftermarket options |
Physical damage to radiator fins — from road debris, improper cleaning, or gravel routes — is one of the most common reasons for radiator replacement on Canadian highway trucks.
OEM vs Aftermarket vs Recore: Which Is Right?
Aftermarket OEM-Fit (Recommended for Most)
Aftermarket OEM-fit radiators are manufactured to meet the same dimensions, core specifications, and connection points as the factory part. They use the same aluminium core construction and are tested to handle the same pressure and temperature ranges. For the vast majority of Class 8 trucks in Canadian fleets — especially those out of factory warranty — aftermarket OEM-fit is the correct choice.
Cost: $800 to $2,500 CAD. Available next-day for most common makes from suppliers like True Truck Parts. Browse our radiator inventory by make, model, and year.
OEM / Dealership (Genuine Factory Part)
A genuine OEM radiator from a Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, or Volvo dealer uses factory materials and carries the manufacturer's part number. The price premium ($3,000 to $6,000+) is rarely justified unless the truck is still under a factory cooling system warranty, or you're operating in conditions where warranty coverage matters more than cost.
Radiator Recore (When It Makes Sense)
A recore replaces only the aluminium core while keeping the original plastic or aluminium tanks. It's a viable option when the tanks are structurally sound and the truck is older (where a full aftermarket radiator is hard to source). Cost: $600 to $1,400 CAD. Downtime is typically longer since the core needs to be sourced and installed.
Recore is generally not recommended if the truck is under 15 years old and aftermarket options are available — the price difference rarely justifies the compromise.
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5 Factors That Affect the Final Price
1 Truck Make and Engine
As shown in the table above, make and engine combination drive price more than anything else. A Freightliner Cascadia with a Detroit DD15 has hundreds of thousands of units in the field — parts availability is high and prices are competitive. A Western Star 57X or older Mack has fewer units and fewer suppliers competing, so prices run higher.
2 Core Size
Larger engines need larger cooling cores. A radiator for a DD16 or Cummins X15 in a heavy-haul configuration will cost more than one for a lighter-spec DD13 application, even on the same chassis. Always verify the core dimensions match your original — not just the make and model.
3 Labour Rate and Shop Type
Independent heavy-duty shops in Ontario typically charge $120 to $135 per hour. Dealerships charge $160 to $220. A 6-hour radiator job is $720 to $810 at an independent vs $960 to $1,320 at a dealership — a difference of $240 to $500 in labour alone, before parts.
4 Additional Parts Required
A radiator replacement done right includes a coolant flush and refill ($80 to $200), new hose clamps, and possibly new radiator hoses if they show cracking or softness. Budget an additional $150 to $350 for these items. A shop that replaces only the radiator and reuses degraded coolant is doing you a disservice.
5 Urgency and Availability
A truck broken down in a yard is one thing. A truck stranded on the 401 needs a part today. Expedited shipping from a supplier — or sourcing from a dealer at dealer prices — can add $200 to $600 to the job. Keeping your cooling system on a maintenance schedule (watch for the warning signs below) avoids this premium almost entirely.
A radiator swap on a Class 8 truck typically takes 4 to 8 hours at an independent heavy-duty shop. The job includes draining coolant, removing the intercooler and shroud, pulling the radiator, installing the new unit, and a full refill and pressure test.
DIY vs Shop: Can You Save Money?
Mechanically capable owner-operators can handle the radiator swap themselves — it's not a technically complex job. The steps are: drain coolant, remove the charge air cooler (on most Class 8 trucks it sits in front of the radiator), disconnect upper and lower hoses, remove the fan shroud, unbolt the radiator, install the new unit, reverse the process, refill coolant, and pressure-test.
The savings: $480 to $1,080 in labour. What you need: basic hand tools, a drain pan, a torque wrench, and access to a coolant recycler or a shop that will recycle the old coolant for you (legally required in Ontario). Coolant disposal down a drain is an environmental offence.
Important: If you do the swap yourself, you still need a shop to properly pressure-test the cooling system after installation. A radiator that leaks under pressure but not at rest will cause overheating within days. A pressure test costs $50 to $100 and is worth every dollar.
For fleet operators with multiple trucks, buying parts direct and using in-house mechanics is the standard approach. For single-truck owner-operators without a full shop setup, the time cost of a DIY job often makes the independent shop the better overall value.
What It Costs to Wait
A failing radiator that's ignored doesn't just cost you the radiator. Engine overheating on a Class 8 truck causes:
- Head gasket failure — $3,000 to $8,000 to repair, depending on engine
- Cylinder head warping — $5,000 to $12,000 including machine shop work
- Engine seizure — $20,000 to $60,000 for a rebuild or replacement engine
- Towing costs — $500 to $2,000 for a highway breakdown tow
- Downtime — days to weeks depending on damage severity
A $1,500 radiator replacement is not a cost — it's an investment that protects a $150,000+ asset. The math is obvious. If your temperature gauge is climbing, your coolant is running low, or you're seeing any of the 5 signs your radiator needs replacing, act before the engine pays the price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a semi truck radiator cost in Canada?
An aftermarket OEM-fit semi truck radiator costs $800 to $2,500 CAD depending on make and model. A genuine OEM part from a dealership costs $3,000 to $6,000+. Most Canadian fleets use quality aftermarket radiators that meet OEM specifications at a significantly lower price.
How much does it cost to replace a radiator on a semi truck?
Total replacement cost — including the radiator, labour, and coolant — typically runs $1,200 to $3,300 CAD at an independent heavy-duty shop. At a dealership, expect $4,000 to $8,000+ for the same job using OEM parts.
How long does a semi truck radiator replacement take?
A typical radiator replacement takes 4 to 8 hours at an independent shop. The wide range accounts for truck-to-truck differences in access — some trucks require removing the bumper or intercooler for full radiator access, which adds 1 to 2 hours.
Is it worth recoring a semi truck radiator?
Recoring makes sense when the tanks are undamaged and an aftermarket replacement is difficult to source — typically on older or less common trucks. For most modern Class 8 trucks with good aftermarket coverage, a full radiator replacement is faster, similarly priced, and comes with a warranty. Compare quotes before deciding.
How long does a semi truck radiator last?
Under normal operating conditions with proper coolant maintenance, a quality semi truck radiator lasts 800,000 to 1,200,000 kilometres — roughly 5 to 8 years at 150,000 km per year. Neglected coolant, road debris, or hard construction routes can cut that in half. See our full guide: How Long Does a Semi Truck Radiator Last?
Where can I buy a semi truck radiator in Ontario?
True Truck Parts stocks OEM-fit radiators for Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Volvo, Mack, International, Western Star, and more. We're based in the GTA and offer same-day quotes — browse our radiator inventory by make, model, and year, or call us at (437) 868-4875.
