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Tips on How To Replace Transmission Cooling Lines

Updated on August 19, 2014

How To Replace Transmission Lines

It's easy to replace Automatic Transmission Cooling Lines yourself - if you know this handy trick.

I'm not very handy when it comes to fixing things. Under most circumstances I wouldn't even think about fixing a transmission problem myself, but what are you going to do when the repair shop is closed and your car breaks down? As a point of masculine pride I had to at least take a look. I mean, my mechanic relies upon my expert diagnosis - Right?

So I had a look and actually found the problem - one of the transmission lines was leaking. I look at it for a little while, wiggle a few things, get on the ground to have a look from underneath. You know what? I think I can fix this, myself!

It looked pretty simple: just disconnect both ends, remove the line from the retaining clips, replace with the new line, reconnect and I'm done. Nothing to it. I do a quick Google search and find that I'm right; there's nothing to it...And Bonus... the line is attached with Quick Releases. I'll be back on the road in no time.

Two hours later and the quick releases still won't release! Hop on Google again and this time I actually read (rather than scanned) the How-To's and find that I need a Quick Release Disconnect Tool to make the Quick Releases release. You've got to be kidding me - needing a special tool kind of defeats the purpose of the Quick Release, doesn't it?

Pictured is of the underside of a 1993 Jeep Cherokee after the Transmission Cooling Line's been removed.

Things That Will Not Work in Place of a Quick Release Tool

I wasn't going to make another trip to the parts store to buy a Quick Disconnect Tool (a tool that I would probably use only once in my lifetime) if I didn't have to. Here are the highlights of what doesn't work to remove Quick Disconnects:

  • Your hands. At least not if you have hands as big as mine.
  • Pliers. Too little room to maneuver in.
  • Zip Ties. Good idea but it just didn't work
  • Screwdriver. It was worth a try.

How To Replace Transmission Cooling Lines Tip #1

Open Ended Wrench

Slip the tines of the wrench over the line, slide it 1/4 inch to compress the release tabs and presto - the line pops right off.

Easy. No special trip to the parts store. No one-use tool that would clutter my toolbox until I eventually lost it (probably the day before I'd need it, again).

Quick Release Tool

For those that don't want to MacGuyver it, here's the real thing.

Astro 7892 8-Piece Fuel and Transmission Line Disconnect Tool Set
Astro 7892 8-Piece Fuel and Transmission Line Disconnect Tool Set
Transmission Line and Fuel Line Quick Disconnect Tool Kit
 

How To Replace Transmission Cooling Lines Tip #2

If the auto parts store tells you that they don't make your part anymore, try the hardware store.

Especially helpful when working on older cars.

I fixed my problem with a $3 brass fitting, some flexible line and two hose clamps.

Bar's Leaks 1400 Review

Does Bar's Leaks Transmission Sealant work?

Bar's Leaks High Mileage Transmission Repair, 16.9 Fl Oz
Bar's Leaks High Mileage Transmission Repair, 16.9 Fl Oz
If you want to try using a stop-leak additive (and I don't blame you if you do), I've had success using Bar's products. This time, unfortunately, my leak was too bad to even try...
 
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