Transmission cooler line

JRRIVERA34 · January 22, 2020

My lower line is leaking. I want to replace it myself but I can not find any write ups or youtube videos. Can anyone help me find some instructions to follow? It looks like I might have to remove the cars to gain access to remove the line from the transmission, it is a very tight area to work it. TIA

2006 1500 4x2 4l60 crew cab

Edited January 22, 2020 by JRRIVERA34

davester · January 22, 2020

perhaps indicate what specific vehicle you have, including engine, transmission, and if it's 4wd

CapitalTruck · January 26, 2020

If its leaking at the flexible hose

splices I would recommend just cutting the flexible portion out and replacing with transmission cooler line and a couple of clamps. I replaced the whole assembly on my previous 2wd, but on the 4wd it is just an absolute bear. So, I used the method that I just described.

JRRIVERA34 · February 20, 2020

anyone>?

txab · February 20, 2020

3 hours ago, JRRIVERA34 said:

anyone>?

Plenty of Youtube videos out there, just search for them. takes about 15 seconds

davester · February 20, 2020

Yeah, it's straightforward, particularly since you have a 2wd. If you are replacing the whole line, I would suggest replacing both, as the other is going to leak as well.

Some hints/tips

-get new clips for each end of the line, as GM recommends they be replaced whenever the line is disconnected.

-put something over the ends of the lines while you are installing them (as in, while getting the lines routed properly), so you don't get anything in them

-make sure you get the lines fully inserted so the clip that you replaced snaps into place. If you don't have the end lined up quite right with the fitting, you won't be able to do this.

carnau · February 21, 2020

On 1/22/2020 at 4:10 AM, JRRIVERA34 said:

My lower line is leaking. I want to replace it myself but I can not find any write ups or youtube videos. Can anyone help me find some instructions to follow? It looks like I might have to remove the cars to gain access to remove the line from the transmission, it is a very tight area to work it. TIA

2006 1500 4x2 4l60 crew cab

1.) Remove the front grille.

2.) Disconnect the auxiliary transmission fluid cooler lines from the auxiliary oil cooler.

3.) Disconnect the transmission fluid cooler lines from the radiator.

4.) Raise and support the vehicle.

5.) Remove the engine protection shield.

6.) Disconnect the oil cooler lines from the transmission.

7.) Remove the oil cooler lines from the vehicle.

JRRIVERA34 · February 21, 2020

That doesn't sound correct. I'm a to remove the line going to the radiator with the grill on. The issue is remove the line from the transmission. Its very tight with the cats installed. I don't want to remove them if I dont need to. If I do have to remove the cats, are there gaskets that need to be replaced?

davester · February 21, 2020

There are crush metal o-rings (at least on my 3500) on the exhaust manifold to exhaust pipe junction that need to be replaced each time you disconnect them.

I didn't have to disconnect the exhaust to do my lines, I believe I did have my front diff out. I did my oil lines and oil pan gasket at the same time, just to make a big mess once...

JRRIVERA34 · February 22, 2020

On 2/20/2020 at 8:37 AM, txab said:

Plenty of Youtube videos out there, just search for them. takes about 15 seconds

None of them show how to remove the line from the transmission clearly.

txab · February 22, 2020

Same type of connection as radiator. Slide the black plastic ring back, pull the clip, line pops out. Reverse to install

Edited February 22, 2020 by txab

CapitalTruck · March 2, 2020

Buy a few extra of those little clips because sometimes they go flying.

davester · March 2, 2020

GM recommends you replace the clips every time they are removed, and you may want to buy one or two (or have available) of the plastic retaining covers, as they are also pretty easy to break trying to get them on.

They normally come out not too bad, but to get them in all the way, you need to make sure the line is pointed straight in, as there is very little clearance in the hole it goes into, so it jams up easily if you go in at an angle. The ones into the transmission can be more annoying to do, as with the exhaust and various brackets installed, there isn't a lot of room for your arms to get in there and also be able to see what is going on. And if you are doing this on the ground (as in, not using a lift), I would suggest just lifting the truck enough to get under it and so you can move around, so you don't have to extend your arms as much to reach to the ports on the transmission.

CapitalTruck · March 3, 2020

On 3/2/2020 at 1:09 AM, davester said:

GM recommends you replace the clips every time they are removed, and you may want to buy one or two (or have available) of the plastic retaining covers, as they are also pretty easy to break trying to get them on.

They normally come out not too bad, but to get them in all the way, you need to make sure the line is pointed straight in, as there is very little clearance in the hole it goes into, so it jams up easily if you go in at an angle. The ones into the transmission can be more annoying to do, as with the exhaust and various brackets installed, there isn't a lot of room for your arms to get in there and also be able to see what is going on. And if you are doing this on the ground (as in, not using a lift), I would suggest just lifting the truck enough to get under it and so you can move around, so you don't have to extend your arms as much to reach to the ports on the transmission.

Yes, when I replaced the lines on my 04 I remember doing a ton of swearing trying to get those connectors back together. Anywhere you arent able to get good leverage causes those connectors to be nightmares. Again, I recommend just using a tubing cutter/dremel tool to cut out the crimped flexible lines and replace with rubber transmission cooler line (available any auto parts store) and a couple of clamps. So far mine is leak free. Just make sure you use hose labeled for transmission cooler use.