View Full Version : Transmission Cooling Line Replacement
.... PITA :mad:
Got the line disconnected but can't get it out. Im gonna try removing the alternator to see if that helps... but right now, this job SUCKS! Didn't see any instructions in the service manual either, or i couldn't find it.
criket
04-07-2012, 07:04 PM
Ouch! Yea it looks like it would be a major pain dude. Best of luck!!!
Alternator is out.... still can't get that line out. I'm actually not sure what i want to do at this point. Did Chrysler think this line would never leak? I think I have to remove the cat so it drops/slides out towards the back now, but that's still questionable. :(
Just did some google searching.... looks like most people leave the metal lines in place and cut out the rubber hose section (they leak at the crimps) and then use trans hose and clamps. At least i have a backup plan now..
Here's my warning to Hemi owners..... Get a quote! I HATE other people working on my vehicles and I would have gladly paid someone $300 to replace these trans lines!!
Pictures uploading. Store was out of 3/8" trans hose so I used 3/8" fuel injector hose (at least its high pressure). I'll pick up some trans hose when i have a chance and keep an eye on it
Ok here's my work area. Note that intake and alternator have been removed.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408100919-1.jpg
Since i already had the front disconnected I cut the lines and pulled out the front section so I can work on them on the bench... note that even snaking these small sections was a PITA:mad:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408101728-1.jpg
Experimenting with the crimp
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408101923-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408103054-1.jpg
That didn't work out too well so i started with a larger section next time:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408103256-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408103440-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408103745-1.jpg
.... hoping that those slight nicks in the flanges dont lead to a leak.... but its pretty thick wall tubing so i hope im OK..
Now for the lines in the engine bay :(
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408110020-1.jpg
Very difficult with the limited space and limited visibility, so i triiiiiiied taking my time (which im not normally good at)
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408110647-1.jpg
First one came off great! (second one didnt...)
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408111052-1.jpg
Once all the crimps were cut off, i put the front lines back in, connected all the quick disconnects, and sized up some fresh hose.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408115609-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408120050-1.jpg
A reminder of the crappy work conditions:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408121236-1.jpg
All tightened up and now a reminder of why the alternator needs to come out:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/20120408122947-1.jpg
Sal-XK
04-08-2012, 04:20 PM
I don't see any reason that would leak looks fine to me man.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Thanks man. I've been peaking under my jeep every 15 minutes.... just waiting for something to leak. I have a feeling I'm going to have to redo my trans pan gasket since I did that late last night, around 11:30, after a few hours of wrestling with the lines and getting frustrated. I couldn't use my air tools to really clean up the surface, and the exhaust is also in the way which makes it difficult to get the pan back in place (especially with RTV). But that's OK... i'll take that down with a clear head and take my time; maybe put a drain plug on there too.
Sal-XK
04-08-2012, 05:55 PM
You did what was there except your hose is now serviceable without getting gouged by the dealer because we all no rubber breaks down and leaks eventually and the crimped ends they had just make people run to the dealer for work. Now your good if they ever leak again it's a quick fix.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
True... i wish I would've done that from the start though. Remember i had the line completely disconnected from all of the fittings and was trying to snake it out for a few hours. Hoping that I didn't damage the original fittings during that process. At least now it's 2 pieces though: but i still think i need to drop the cats to get the rear section out.
Lt_JWS
04-08-2012, 07:32 PM
looks like real pain.... if i were you i'd double clamp those suckers ;)
I thought about it but the store only had 4 clamps left and i wanted to be done in time for Easter dinner. A good clamp shouldn't leak, but if i do have to fix them again i may throw on a second set for the added peace of mind.
07JeepXK
04-09-2012, 01:35 PM
So is it all fixed now? Can u make a write up so if any of us have the same issue we can easily fix it?
Easily? Lol we'll use that term loosely since even with my write up its still going to be a PITA. Actually it would be a lot easier (maybe even "easy" for real) if I just cut those swaged ends completely off... but I wanted to retain as much of the original line as possible.
Once my wounds heal from the ordeal ill edit the pictures with some instructional marks and throw them in a "How to"..
07JeepXK
04-09-2012, 02:09 PM
Haha sorry. I meant to make it "easier" for us.
WARNING
My trans line pulled off today... saw the leaking fluid when I got to work, popped the hood and fluid was everywhere. Luckily it was the clamp closer to the radiator so I could get to it by taking the intake off.
I never double-clamped... so I'm going to do that today. I may even throw some epoxy on the lines to help hold them in place.
Root cause? I don't think this is a daily driving issue. Today was the first time driving the Jeep since returning from offroading this weekend. My theory is those trans lines get taught during certain offroading situations like steep off camber climbs and the line slowly worked its way off. It may have been leaking on my drive home and I just didn't notice.... will have to check my driveway after work today.
Edit: also decided I'm going to pick up some 3/8" trans hose and make the lines a bit longer. .. maybe another inch or so. I cut mine to the same size that I took off, but maybe they get tension once in a while (hard acceleration?) and that's one of the reasons they're known to leak....
Didn't realize how bad it was until I saw my driveway when I got home from work today...... ugh
Sal-XK
06-19-2012, 06:43 PM
In the pic it looked like your replacement lines were shorter but we know how photos look.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yeah i measured them straight off the brand new trans lines i purchased (but didn't use)....
Regardless I'm pretty sure that top line was too tight. Hindsights 20/20. So anyone else who's done (or is going to do) this repair, make sure you leave some slack in that line especially if you're planning on offroading.
I used up all 4 quarts and it still needs a bit more. Luckily I didn't put a lot of miles on it today or drive it fast..... but im wondering when it started leaking. Waiting for my dad to let me know if he see's fluid in his driveway.
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