Slight leak at Trans Cooler Lines (Radiator side)

Post by **cn90** » 15 Apr 2010, 20:06

I have very very very slight amount of oil on Trans Cooler Lines, just a verytiny hint of wetness.
No ATF on the garage floor whatsoever.
Au to Trans ATF level is fine.

So, for those of you with leak at Trans Cooler Lines (Radiator side):
- I am thinking about changing only the O-ring and not the hoses.
- What is your experience: O-ring vs hoses or both?

Post by **JDS60R** » 15 Apr 2010, 20:23

replace
O rings and the retainer -works great.
Lube up the o ring and make sure it is clean before putting it back together.

Post by **cn90** » 15 Apr 2010, 20:25

Thanks,

That is what I thought.
So for most people it is just the O-rings?

Post by **confused_al** » 15 Apr 2010, 20:27

I had same issue a year ago, the top one was resolved by replacing the o-rings and the clamp. The bottom one just kept leaking, not by much but always wet (even with my new OEM rad), until I replaced the hose. I suppose you could start from the o-rings and clip see what happens. Hopefully your fittings are in better shape than mine.

Post by **jblackburn** » 15 Apr 2010, 20:30

+1 on the O-rings. Good starting point, anyway. I put a zip-tie around my top radiator line after I did a trans. fluid flush as an extra precaution - I bent the clip a little out of its original shape.

Post by **wheelsup** » 15 Apr 2010, 20:41

If it's leaking from the line side you have to get new lines. My car is doing that. I hear NAPA or Car Quest, one of the two, can redo your lines for you if you bring them to them for around $35.

Post by **cn90** » 15 Apr 2010, 22:11

1. Yes, I will try the O-ring first.

2. Cooler Hoses: $80 each online.

However, the hose can be "re-conditioned": the barb end (metal piece) is re-used, then options are:
- Hydraulic Shop makes a new crimp for you using new Trans Hose (Yes, get the hose for ATF fluid).

- I have seen people use regular worm-clamps (instead of hydraulic crimp) and it works fine.
There is not much pressure running in these cooler hoses anyway.

Just google "atf cooler hose repair" and you will see people have used new hose and clamps (re-use only the metal part of the factory hose). Read this post in detail and you will see that you can do it using regular Trans Hoses (found at local autoparts store):
http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/transmi ... fix-30509/

Post by **cn90** » 15 Apr 2010, 22:21

AFTER The "Cheap" Fix:

Post by **JDS60R** » 15 Apr 2010, 22:32

Very often it is just an o ring.
If it is your crimp or line then take it to a Hydraulic shop for a quality inexpensive fix.

Also inspect your ends for wear- if worn then toss them.

Any Gates vendor or local trans shop will have a quality aftermarket trans hose for you and they are about a day away if not in stock. This is something you want to do once and do it correctly.

Post by **cn90** » 16 Apr 2010, 08:28

My local NAPA store only does rebuild of hoses for heavy equipment (excavator, bull dozer etc.).

When you think about it, the crimp is basically a clamp but maybe a bit better, who knows.
Your garden hose at home is the same thing, it is crimped.

This is how a hydraulic fitting is made, very straightforward as long as you have the equipment, which costs about $2500 for
A D165 model:
http://www.discounthydraulichose.com/Hy ... s_s/45.htm