2007~2015 Accessing space between condenser and radiator?

[jplee3]

Hi all,

So I was stupid and pretty sure I managed to drop a metal bit (size #2 screw extractor - story for another day) between the radiator and condenser of my 2008 CX9. What do you guys think the easiest way is to retrieve it if it's presumably trapped somewhere in there? I checked the lower splash shield and ground and no sign of it, which is why I'm suspecting it's somewhere between the radiator and condenser. I was thinking about starting the car up and going forward and reverse a few times in hopes in hopes that it would just drop out but not sure that's the best idea. Anyway, if there's an 'easy' way to do this place let me know. Getting to that gap just seems like a major PITA though - it seems I have to either remove the radiator or remove the front bumper and grill.

 

[puma]

i suppose you should be able to tilt the radiator a little bit if you remove the top holders. Usually it is held only by bushings in the lower portion and everything on it should be either wire or flexible rubber hoses.

 

[Odrapnew]

Extending magnet pen thingy.
Or, just forget about it like I do with various bits/sockets and be surprised when it shows up again.

 

[jplee3]

I ended up getting to it - I removed the front bumper and grill and was able to maneuver my magnet pickup tool in and fished it around. Sure enough it was in there... relieved that I was able to get it out at this point. I just hope I didn't do more damage like to the radiator or condenser while brushing the tool through there - I tried using fish tape with some magnets taped onto it earlier on without success (probably not strong enough).