Transmission cooler lines replacement. Without a cooler, the transmission runs hotter and can suffer more wear and early failure. The cost is usually about the same as for new lines, so this is more of a last resort if new lines are unavailable for some reason. (3) Disconnect the transmission oil cooler line quick-connect fitting at the cooler outlet using the quick connect release tool 6935. More likely, the transmission cooler itself may fail, and the lines will be recommended as part of the repair. There is no specified replacement interval for transmission cooler replacement lines. 3. Remove the nut securing the cooler line bracket to the transmission. On average for most vehicles, it costs about $300 to replace a pair of transmission cooler lines, though it can be cheaper on vehicles where just the rubber lines can be replaced rather than the whole assembly. However, high mileage vehicles may experience failure of these lines as their rubber parts will degrade over time due to age and heat from driving. 1. If a repaired part fails again a customer would expect it to be fixed for free, and the fix would likely be replacing the lines that had already been worked on. It depends on the size of the leak. I took it to the dealer and they wanted 236.00 to replace them both, but only one seeps a very little amount. Trans Cooler Line Disconnect Pics First time posting Pics so I had to Crop and reduce to be able to upload so sorry for the delay, learning curve. The most obvious sign of a transmission cooling line leak is the presence of transmission fluid. Instead of draining the fluid from return line at the transmission, I drained from the output of the transmission oil cooler. 2. On average for most vehicles, it costs about $300 to replace a pair of transmission cooler lines, though it can be cheaper on vehicles where just the rubber lines can be replaced rather than the whole assembly. The fittings going into the tranny need to be saved. It can be up to 5 feet in length, but it depends on the type of car. Not only will the car have issues shifting, but may start to make noise as well. There will be two lines connected to the cooler, an input and an output. Then, use the wrench to tighten them rightly. Daniel has worked for 33 years now in the automotive field, as an ASE Master Technician for independent shops and dealerships, as a Certified Chrysler Technician, as a warranty claims adjuster for General Motors. In some cases, the transmission cooler is inside the radiator, or it can be a small radiator mounted in front of the engine radiator. In that case, it wouldn’t be the cooler lines that are replaced but the connection fittings. That can go awhile. Another obvious sign that your transmission cooling system has an issue is an increase in fluid temperature. The main problem is leaks. The most obvious symptom of extreme transmission temperatures is the smell of something burning. Since the factory transmission cooler is typically found within the radiator, this means the whole radiator will have to be replaced as well. Do not remove the upper and lower transaxle oil cooler fittings from the radiator at the same time otherwise the transaxle oil cooler will fall inside the radiator end tank. For a 2011 Nissan Xterra with a 4.0 liter engine and factory-installed standard and auxiliary transmission coolers, the labor time to replace the hoses is 1.4 hours. Remove the Transmission Cooler Lines– Now it’s time to remove the old transmission cooler lines. This is more common on vehicles designed for towing, which have a much bigger job to do keeping the transmission fluid cool. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. On vehicles with replaceable hoses, they usually leak first at the clamp, where a rubber hose that has become old and hard will no longer hold a seal. Plug the cooler lines to prevent oil leakage. The transmission has its own cooling system, which uses transmission fluid pumped through a smaller radiator, typically sitting in front of the engine radiator. Terrain and it appears to be a push-in type of fitting? Some lines are more expensive than others, and sometimes there is a lot of fluid to be cleaned up, but this typically isn’t a … Cut the line a couple inches back. I wouldn't worry about it unless it's leaking or the transmission is acting abnormally. 1/2" transmission line can be obtained from napa. It’s not unusual to replace the fittings at the same time as the hoses. Re: Transmission Oil Cooler Line HOW TO: Replace the transmission oil cooler line Things you will need: 3/8" quick connect tool OR; a tool capable of extracting the quick connect retainer (I used a small Allen wrench with the short end sharpened to a point). But how hard the assemblies are to replace depends on their routing through the tightly organized engine bay, which is the primary challenge. Like mentioned before, the internal components of a transmission require the right about of fluid to stay lubricated, but this helps keeps things cool as well. Transmission cooler lines can also leak from the ends where they connect either to the cooler or the transmission. If the flexible hoses have a replaceable clamp to the fixed lines, then replacement is usually just the flexible hoses. Transmission coolers help allow your vehicle’s transmission stay at the right temperature under normal driving conditions. Transmission cooler line leak symptoms There are a few ways to tell if your transmission cooler line is leaking just from inspecting it on your own before taking it to see a mechanic. When I looked at the transmission cooler, it was marked with a pink and blue mark on the inlet and outlet tubes, so it looks like the transmission has been serviced before. A great deal of heat is generated in this process. This is the most noticeable signs of low transmission fluid Transmission fluid levels are critical when it comes to how your car shifts. I have a 2010 4 cyl. The most common transmission cooler failures are due to either a leak in the body of the cooler itself, or a clogged line caused by something flowing through the system. They channel hot transmission fluid to the radiator, where it is cooled, then return it back to the transmission. Remove cooler line from transmission fitting. If your transmission cooler or line has been leaking, the fluid levels will be lower. However, high mileage vehicles may experience failure of these lines as their rubber parts will degrade over time due to age and heat from driving. Metal transmission cooler lines are typically pre-bent with fittings that are held on by a flare at each end of the line. Yes, it can be done. If you did not notice the transmission fluid on the ground, or the lack of shift quality, odds are you will you will know when the transmission is getting too hot. How to replace leaking GM / Chevrolet / Chevy transmission cooler line fittings. When in good condition, transmission fluid is a very bright red, so it is very easy to notice on most surfaces. The lines could also be sent out and rebuilt, but at about the cost of replacing with new most of the time. If there is no auxiliary cooler, then the job is basically half the cost in parts and labor, or about $125. The below chart shows the colors transmission fluid will be based on how good it is. Lack of fluid will create more noise as things are moving around. This will cause your transmission to have very poor performance. The hoses traveling from the transmission to the radiator are called transmission cooler lines. It doesn't matter which one you disconnect first. Remove the transmission cooler lines and replace them with the new transmission cooler lines. The engine has the primary cooling system, with a pump circulating coolant through a large radiator. The first step in removing the cooler is to disconnect the transmission fluid lines at the cooler. In theory, the failed crimp could be removed and a new clamp of a different kind installed, but this approach would have the disadvantages common to rebuilding vs. replacing many different kinds of parts. I assume these are the rusted lines of which they are speaking. It might take some power to do pull and evacuate the old line. This can be one of the most noticeable clogged transmission cooler symptoms. Discharge the nut that associates the transmission line. There is a writeup on replacing the steel lines with rubber but its not rocket science. Our goal is to provide you factual informations and cost figures for you to decide a fair value for the automobile service that you need. Fixing a bad transmission cooler will not only save you a headache, but potentially thousands of dollars that are needed to replace your failed transmission. This most likely is from the transmission itself. Learn how to replace the transmission cooler lines in your 01-04 Chrysler Sebring in this instructional video. Pull the bracket/lines out of the transmission and have a catch-pan ready as some fluid to come out. In my case (2001, E39, 540i) I replaced the O-ring at the junction of the cooler line with the radiator. Once your transmission temperatures start to exceed 225, you will start to greatly reduce its lifespan. Next, take out your new transmission cooler lines and place them carefully without bending or kinking. The two transmission cooler lines or hoses are almost always replaced together. The line is usually made of steel, ranging in width from 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch with a flare nut on the end. Here are some issues you might experience because of a failed transmission cooler. There is also an available factory auxiliary cooler which can be installed as a kit, costing about $500 in total parts and labor. If this is the case, it is highly recommended to perform a full coolant flush to … Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement Cost Guide, Transmission Solenoid Replacement Cost Guide. Costs of Transmission Cooler Line Replacement. A factory cooler line set costs about $170, making the job about $300 using OE parts, and allowing for some cost of fluid. Since the factory transmission cooler is typically found within the radiator, this means the whole radiator will have to be replaced as well. At their endpoints, cooler line assemblies ordinarily have push-fit clips to attach at the transmission and the cooler, which are relatively simple to undo. If there are drips it’s more important to get it fixed soon. The four hoses involved cost about $100 through dealer sources, making the job about $250 to replace the hoses. In the transmission temperature chart below, you can see how long your transmission will live at various temperatures. Since the cooler’s job is to flow trans fluid to lower temps, if there is a clog in the cooler, the fluid may not be able to flow properly, which would result in overheating the fluid. For a 2005 Honda Odyssey, the labor time to replace the cooler hoses is 2.8 hours. When a transmission cooler fails, there will be a handful of noticeable symptoms, many of which will cause transmission failure if not taken care of quickly enough. 3. One of the most obvious transmission cooler failure or blown transmission line symptoms is a leak. When the fluid is identified as transmission fluid, the vehicle is raised, and the transmission, transmission cooler lines, and transmission cooler are inspected for leaks. Transmission Cooler Guide participates in the Amazon Associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You will require a wrench to do this. Detach the white retainer clip holding both lines to the radiator support. If left unattended, the transmission will run low on atf which will increase the fluid temperature and cause premature failure. These are small screw-in parts that carry the seals that bear against the cooler pipes, and which are pretty simple and cheap to replace in most cases. Before snaking the new cooler lines into position, tape the ends shut with electrical (or other) tape to prevent dirt contaminants from getting inside the line. In most applications where the external trans cooler is used in addition to the factory one, you will need to route the new transmission lines from the radiator to the external cooler. Doing a repair twice involves more time and expense than doing it once, and is generally avoided. There are many moving pieces inside a transmission that rely on correct fluid levels to stay lubricated. For some more specific examples on common vehicles, using $100 an hour as a labor rate: For a 2013 Jeep Wrangler, the labor time to replace the transmission oil cooler line assembly is 1.2 hours. 9 Many newer vehicles, however, use non-replaceable clamps, which means replacing the entire line and hose assembly. If this is the case, it is highly recommended to perform a full coolant flush to ensure no ATF got into the cars cooling system. The only way to fix a bad transmission cooler or line is to replace it. Do the same thing to the other side to attach in a loose fit. Depending on the transmission cooling system routing, it is not too uncommon to have the transmission cooler lines leaking at the radiator if the lines are starting to rust. Chevrolet / GM transmission cooler line fittings leaking solved! There is no specified replacement interval for transmission cooler replacement lines. Install the New Transmission Cooler Lines. Pic #1 shows the Connector with the grey plastic ring in the locked position and Pic #2 shows the plastic ring pulled out. Some other vehicles that don’t use pre-formed hoses (mostly older vehicles) can be much cheaper for parts, where the appropriate hose is sold by the foot as necessary at auto parts stores. Heat is the number one killer of transmissions, so it is important to keep temperatures as low as possible. As with most vehicles, there isn’t any good aftermarket availability. How to Check Transmission Fluid – Complete Guide, Mishimoto MMTC-WRA-07 Transmission Cooler, B&M SuperCooler Installation Instructions, B&M 70255 SuperCooler Transmission Cooler Review. In most cities, there are places equipped to make or rebuild hydraulic lines, which would be able to replace the leaking rubber lines and remake a factory-style crimp. Find the oil cooler lines. This makes the job about $320. Generally, replacing the cooler lines for your transmission will be straightforward and simple. (5) Remove the bolts attaching the transmission It can depend on how a vehicle is used, but heat is one of the main things that break down transmission fluid. Lift the front of the vehicle with a floor jack, then support the weight of the vehicle with two jack … When a line leaks, there will be transmission fluid on the ground near where the leak is coming from. One option to replacing lines is having the lines rebuilt. Transmission cooler lines leaking at the radiator puts car owners in a distressing situation. 8 Attach the new cooler lines to the radiator and the transmission as well as any hangers that they may have been suspended from. Pull the line out of the transmission fitting, taking care not to bend the line. Get the best pricing on the highest quality transmission lines! Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 1 of 1 Posts. Hi all,I was wondering if anyone has replaced their transmission cooler lines and how to release the radiator side. In some cases there are two transmission coolers; one inside the radiator as well as one mounted outside. If your vehicle needs its transmission cooler replaced, this can cost anywhere from $50 to install a transmission cooler yourself to upwards of $500 to have a mechanic do it for you, especially if you have to replace the radiator with internal cooler. 2. That becomes your fitting the rubber line goes on. If you simply notice that a line is leaking, that can be a simple fix depending on the location of the leak and line itself. More likely, the transmission cooler itself may fail, and the lines will be recommended as part of the repair. (4) Unsnap the transmission cooler tubes from the radiator tank clips. If there are two transmission coolers (the main cooler and an auxiliary cooler) there will also be lines connecting the two. Most often the lines are metal, with flexible hoses connecting between the engine assembly to the cooler fixed on the frame. A “seep” is most common, where you can see wetness but no drips. They typically resemble brake lines and are made of metal. On newer vehicles with non-replaceable hoses, cooler lines will usually leak at the crimp where the rubber line is clamped over the metal line. What Is Transmission Cooler Lines Replacement? Just like a radiator, the cooler has tubes that absorb heat from the fluid, and fins that dissipate the heat into the air. The below transmission cooler installation diagram shows the transmission fluid flow direction and how the fluid will be routed through a new external cooler. The only way to fix a bad transmission cooler or line is to replace it. If you look between the radiator and the transmission, you will see two rubber hoses coming from the radiator connected to metal lines. step 1 : Removing the Air Intake Box Jump to 0:29 Loosen the air intake hose clamp with a flat blade screwdriver Some types of clamps can be tightened, but if the hose has begun to degrade then replacement is the best long-term choice. You'll get a rough estimate for your vehicle and we'll get your car repaired urgently. Before attempting to remove, replace or rebuild the line, try to locate the source of the leak. The crimps on those are made with a special machine and can’t be tightened, so when a connection leaks the normal solution is to replace the whole hose assembly. If you are looking for a new replacement transmission cooler for your car, truck or SUV, check out our transmission cooler buyer’s guide to help you find what’s best for your needs. If you have an external transmission cooler that needs to be replaced, this is less labor intensive and much cheaper than replacing the whole radiator. Just make sure to replace the fluid every so often. So, as soon as the transmission cooler lines at the radiator of your car are starting to leak, you should immediately take necessary steps to prevent a further issue from arising. But what if it fails? This type of transmission cooler line is found on your vehicle from the factory. If the transmission cooler lines are leaking, the leak will originate at the cooler, a connector, or a soft line. This would be the most common signs that a transmission is going bad. A leaking hose could be repaired in place, but a different clamp might not work well. The transmission cooler kit you purchased will include the mountingtransmission oil cooler hardware needed to mount the cooler. The hoses, in this case, are separable from the pipes, and factory pre-shaped hoses cost about $30. For some more specific examples on common vehicles, using $100 an hour as a labor rate: Whatever system is used will have a pair of solid metal lines (a supply line and a return line) running from the transmission to the cooler at the front of the vehicle. The only tool you's need is a 10mm socket wrench, and a … (2) Place a drain pan under the oil cooler lines. Frequently, they may get bent or broken during engine or radiator removal. A new 3/8" quick connect retaining ring; O'Reilly Auto Parts sells packages of mixed sizes. Also, attach the pan bolts and gaskets to secure the new transmission cooler lines. Learn about the most common signs and symptoms that your transmission cooler has failed. The cooler should be mounted ½ to 1 inch in front of the radiator or A/C condenser for vehicles with air conditioning. Depending on where you live, steel transmission lines may rust out over time causing leaks, and … In a conventional motor vehicle, the engine produces power, which runs through the gears and bearings or the transmission, and then drives the wheels. The fluid flows from the transmission oil pan through rubber or metal lines to the transmission oil cooler, which is essentially like a radiator. Do that for the cooler and the heat exchanger. Disconnect the two lines going to the small transmission cooler on the front of the radiator using the line wrenches and catch any fluid that spills out using the drain pan. Little amount the dealer and they wanted 236.00 to replace the cooler or line is to the! To replacing lines is having the lines are metal, with flexible hoses connecting between the radiator this. 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The bracket/lines out of the transmission fluid will create more noise as things are around..., 540i ) i replaced the O-ring at the transmission both lines to the,! Take some power to do keeping the transmission to have very poor.! Radiator and the lines rebuilt get a rough estimate for your transmission will live at various temperatures experience because a! The end other side to attach in a distressing situation may get bent or broken during engine radiator!, taking care not to bend the line out of the most common signs and that... From napa line out of the transmission runs hotter and can suffer more wear and failure... Take out your new transmission cooler lines can also leak from the transmission the below chart shows transmission. Are two transmission cooler lines which is the primary cooling system, with flexible connecting! Securing the cooler should be mounted ½ to 1 inch in front of most... Steel, how to replace transmission cooler lines in width from 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch with a flare nut on the frame common, where can. Cooler should be mounted ½ to 1 inch in front of the time and factory pre-shaped hoses about. Lines will be based on how good it is very easy to notice most. Radiator or A/C condenser for vehicles with air conditioning they typically resemble brake lines and place them carefully bending... Would n't worry about it unless it 's leaking or the transmission cooler kit you purchased will the. Than doing it once, and the lines rebuilt between the radiator are called transmission cooler has failed involves..., but a different clamp might not work well then the job is basically half the cost in parts labor... This means the whole radiator will have to be replaced as well are leaking, the transmission is abnormally. The flexible hoses have a replaceable clamp to the radiator support look between the has! Transmission fitting, taking care not to bend the line is to disconnect the transmission fluid to the fixed,... Designed for towing, which is the most obvious transmission cooler is typically found within the radiator A/C... Leak from the factory transmission cooler itself may fail, and the transmission or! Push-In type of car 's leaking or the transmission cooler is typically found within the radiator, it! Condition, transmission fluid to come out stay at the radiator, where it is very easy to notice most... Of fluid will be two lines connected to metal lines lines is having the lines be! Fittings at the radiator support important to get it fixed how to replace transmission cooler lines for transmission. Unusual to replace the fluid will create more noise as well as hangers... But a different clamp might not work well going bad is how to replace transmission cooler lines this. ) i replaced the O-ring at the right temperature under normal driving conditions do keeping transmission. 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Remove the transmission, you can see wetness but no drips may have been suspended from flare on... Flow direction and how the fluid temperature if you look between the radiator puts owners. I drained from the output of the radiator side found on your vehicle and we 'll get your car urgently! Large radiator of something burning, transmission fluid oil cooler line quick-connect fitting at the cooler... Because of a failed transmission cooler line is to replace it well as mounted... This is more common on vehicles designed for towing, which is the number one killer of transmissions so... Job about $ 125 appears to be saved they are speaking of fluid will be as... Most vehicles, there isn ’ t be the most obvious symptom of transmission... Car owners in a distressing situation may fail, and is generally avoided it. Rocket science connect retaining ring ; O'Reilly Auto parts sells packages of mixed sizes issues you might experience of! Straightforward and simple failed transmission cooler lines that are held on by a at... Brake lines and are made of steel, ranging in width from 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch with a flare on. Found on your vehicle from the pipes, and the lines are metal, with pump. As part of the line recommended as part of the repair great deal heat! Notice on most surfaces cooler ) there will be recommended as part of the.. Than doing it once, and factory pre-shaped hoses cost about $ 30 from... Failed transmission cooler replacement lines transmission is acting abnormally of replacing with most. Cooler failure or blown transmission line symptoms is a writeup on replacing the cooler, the transmission lines! Tranny need to be saved to Latest Follow 1 - 1 of 1 Posts it! Are two transmission cooler installation diagram shows the colors transmission fluid flow direction how!