Coined header for heat exchanger

A heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, the heat exchanger comprising:

• a fluid reservoir having a base;
• a header receiving the base of the fluid reservoir for coupling thereto, the header having a mounting tab configured to bend inwardly from an open position to a closed position, the mounting tab engaging the fluid reservoir in the closed position;
• and
• a deformation feature formed in the header, the deformation feature minimizing a force required to bend the mounting tab from the open position to the closed position.

A method of assembling a heat exchanger, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a fluid reservoir and a header including a mounting tab configured to bend from an open position to a closed position;
• forming a deformation feature on one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the header to facilitate bending of the mounting tab;
• inserting a portion of the fluid reservoir into the header;
• and
• bending the mounting tab inwardly from the open position to the closed position about a pivot point proximate the deformation feature to engage the fluid reservoir.