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what is a transmission cooling line

by Dolly Stanton Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Car transmission lines connect your vehicle’s transmission to the vehicle’s radiator

Radiator

Radiators are heat exchangers used for cooling internal combustion engines, mainly in automobiles but also in piston-engined aircraft, railway locomotives, motorcycles, stationary generating plant or any similar use of such an engine.

. Also known as transmission cooling lines, they are typically made of metal or composite aluminium and rubber hoses because they can handle the flow of hot transmission fluid.

Car transmission lines connect your vehicle's transmission to the vehicle's radiator. Also known as transmission cooling lines, they are typically made of metal or composite aluminium and rubber hoses because they can handle the flow of hot transmission fluid.

Full Answer

How does a transmission cooling line work?

The transmission cooling line system is vital to any automatic transmission. It circulates the hot fluid away to the radiator via cooler lines and returns the cooled fluid back to the transmission. A loss of fluid leading to an overheated transmission can be devastating as the system loses its ability to cool.

How much does it cost to replace a transmission cooler line?

Replacing an automatic transmission can cost thousands of dollars while a cooler line replacement will cost up to about $500 at most. Transmission cooler lines are a vital part of keeping your transmission fluid cool and the link between your transmission and the cooler. Learn about the different types of transmission cooler lines and fittings.

What kind of transmission cooler line do I Need?

Rubber transmission cooler hoses are great for adding in an external cooler, or for a temporary fix on a leaving metal line. You can get rubber transmission line at any local auto parts store quickly and easily. Nylon braided transmission cooler lines, like their name indicates, are rubber lines encased in a protective nylon cover.

What are nylon braided transmission cooler lines?

Nylon braided transmission cooler lines, like their name indicates, are rubber lines encased in a protective nylon cover. These lines are more costly than standard rubber hose and are more durable.

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Can I drive with a transmission cooler leak?

While it is not especially dangerous to continue driving with a leaking transmission fluid, it can cause catastrophic damage to your engine. As soon as you notice your car is leaking transmission fluid, you should seek to contact a certified mechanic to have your transmission fluid serviced.

How much is a new transmission line?

A typical new 69 kV overhead single-circuit transmission line costs approximately $285,000 per mile as opposed to $1.5 million per mile for a new 69 kV underground line (without the terminals).

Why is my transmission line leaking?

The leak in the transmission fluid can occur due to several reasons. These can include leakage in the torque converter, damage to the drain plug, fluid line cracks, etc. Transmission leakage can lead your car vulnerable to extensive damage, particularly to the engine.

How do you know if your transmission line is bad?

Other noteworthy warning signs that your transmission cooling lines may be leaking include: You're having trouble shifting into gear; the gears are slipping, or are shifting slowly. Your transmission is overheating, or you notice an unpleasant burning smell.

How do I know if my transmission cooler is leaking?

The most common symptom of a bad or clogged transmission cooler is fluid leaks or an overheating transmission. You may notice strange shifting issues or noises coming from the transmission. In many car models, you will also notice a warning light on the dashboard.

What do you do if your transmission cooler line is leaking?

3:317:59How I Fixed a Leaking Cooler Line for Free - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what I'm gonna do is I'm going to use multiple clamps per end and put plenty of rubber hose overMoreAnd what I'm gonna do is I'm going to use multiple clamps per end and put plenty of rubber hose over the steel lines to reduce the chance of them coming off or leaking.

Is it hard to change a transmission line?

The most common thing that will happen is the overheating of the transmission. In the rest of this post, we will tackle how to change transmission lines. It might seem like a difficult task at first, but once you are aware of the specific steps that are involved, you will realize that it is actually easy.

How far can you drive with a transmission leak?

But if it's low, or empty, can you safely drive your vehicle? We've researched this to get the best answer for you! Technically, the vehicle can still be driven with low to no transmission fluid for 10 to 15 miles. However, doing so will lead to transmission system failures and can damage the car permanently.

How long does it take to put in a transmission line?

Timeline: On average it can take 10 years or more to build a high-voltage transmission line. This timeline includes planning, scoping, mapping, environmental review, public comment, project approval, permitting, land acquisition, and construction.

How many transmission lines are there on a car?

two transmission linesIn general, your car will have two transmission lines: the supply line, which sends the fluid to the cooler, and the return line, which…well, returns it. Usually the transmission lines are made of steel, but sometimes they're made of rubber.

How do you change a transmission line?

How to Change Transmission Lines: Do It Like a ProRaise the Vehicle.Drain the Transmission Fluid.Remove the Transmission Cooler Lines.Drain More Fluid.Spray Brake Cleaner.Install the New Transmission Lines.Replace the Transmission Fluid.Lower and Start your Vehicle.

Where is the transmission cooler line?

This type of fitting is found on both the transmission and radiator where there is a pre bent transmission line. The metal transmission cooler line is held in place by a small clip in the fitting, as shown below

What is the cheapest transmission line?

Rubber transmission lines are readily available and are the cheapest option for transmission cooler lines. More often than not, your vehicle will have some rubber lines from the factory, but not nearly as much as it would metal.

What is the box in a transmission?

One component inside that “box” is a small pump that circulates the transmission fluid. It feeds the hydraulic system and pumps fluid out of the transmission via the hot line. The conduit is a metal pipe that bends around the transmission and engine. The configuration will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle and it terminates with transmission cooler line fittings.

Why do automatic transmissions need to be moved?

Automatic transmissions rely on fluid to properly operate and stay cool, so because of this, transmission lines are needed to properly move the fluid to throughout the cooling system to prevent over heating.

What is the advantage of a transmission?

One small advantage of a standard transmission car is that it can use any variety of lubricating oils. Automatic transmissions need specific types of fluids as recommended by the car’s manufacturer. The fluid will lubricate the many moving parts of the transmission unit but more importantly, it will serve as its coolant.

Why is my tubing split?

Split or dented tubing can be due to road debris, rust aggravated by high salt concentrations or simply an impact from an accident.

Is steel braided transmission line good?

With that added strength comes added cost. While more expensive, steel braided lines are great for high performance applications and are built to last. When it comes to building custom transmission cooler lines, the motto “buy once, cry once” applies here since you are paying for a very high quality lines.

What is a transmission cooling line?

Your transmission cooling lines, often just called the transmission lines, are the lines that connect your transmission to the radiator in your car. The hot fluid cools off in the radiator and then heads back to the transmission. They're made up of a system of rubber hoses and metal or composite aluminum tubes that allow for transmission fluid to flow through them at high temperatures. If these are malfunctioning in some way, you'll be leaking transmission fluid and your system will overheat and fail pretty quickly.

How long do transmission cooling lines last?

Transmission lines are supposed to last the life of your car. These aren’t like fuel filters or engine oil that wear out with use and need to be swapped on the regular. That being said, there’s no way to define for certain how long these things will last. Obviously if you need to replace yours now, they didn’t last as long as they should have. The new ones you get may last just as long but should last longer. Unfortunately, there are also unforeseen issues. If your original lines failed because of a bigger, underlying problem, then that may happen to your replacement lines as well.

Can I use rubber hoses to replace the transmission cooling line?

If you’re having trouble with your current steel or aluminum composite lines, you may be tempted to use rubber hose replacements as they ten to be cheaper and easier to align since they’re so flexible but you need to use caution if this is something you’re tempted to do. Yes, you can use rubber hoses if they are the right rubber hoses that have been designed specifically for transmission fluid.

Is it worth it to replace a transmission coolant line?

In a word, yes . In fact, you must replace a malfunctioning transmission cooling line. If you have a leak and do not fix it, you’re on a very short clock. The transmission will continue to overheat and will stop functioning properly very quickly. Your car is just not physically able to function in this condition. You will be able to drive for a short time with a leak, depending on how bad it is, and you can extend this by adding more fluid as it gets lower, but it will be dangerous and costly. The source of the leak can and likely will get worse as time passes. Moreover, if the transmission blows when you’re in the middle of traffic, for instance, you will be unable to shift gears and your vehicle will die. That’s dangerous for you and for other drivers. Not to mention the cost associated with this. Transmission repair is going to cost anywhere from $1,800 to $3,400. Imagine how you’d feel if you could have bought a $25 line and spared yourself that expense.

How to tell if transmission cooler is leaking?

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. The most obvious sign of a transmission cooling line leak is the presence of transmission fluid.

What happens if transmission fluid doesn't flow?

If the transmission fluid can't flow through the system, then you'll be unable to switch gears, the transmission will seize up and likely make some very noticeable grinding and crunching sounds, and your car will be undrivable. This fluid provides two key functions in your transmission;

Why does my transmission grind?

This fluid provides two key functions in your transmission; Lubrication: The reason your gears grind when the fluid is contaminated, or levels are low is because you’re getting metal on metal grinding and that makes a terrible noise. Transmission fluid keeps it lubricated and running smoothly.

What is a transmission cooler?

Installing a transmission cooler is an extra precaution against overheating your transmission, and many people decide to use them in tow vehicles. Transmission coolers come in many different shapes and sizes, and there are a few things to consider when choosing one.

What temperature does transmission fluid burn?

There are times when the fluid temperature can exceed the maximum range of 160 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (71 to 93 degrees Celsius), and when this happens the fluid begins to burn.

How fast does a transmission go?

Transmissions have a lot of work to do: They have to keep your engine's revolutions per minute (RPMs) within a usable range and transmit the power from those rotations to the drive wheels at speeds anywhere from 1 to more than 100 miles per hour (1 to more than 161 kilometers per hour).

What happens if you heat up your car?

The great danger in these situations is overwork and overheating. Too much heat can damage your engine, which can lead to expensive repairs or, even worse, breakdowns on the road. The same is true for your vehicle's transmission.

How Does a Transmission Cooler Work?

Fluid heated by the transmission, engine, or power steering pump flows to the cooler. Air flowing over the fins of the cooler carries away heat and cools the fluid flowing within the fins.

How Do I Choose Which Kind of Transmission Cooler to Install?

There are three types of transmission coolers. Though each performs the same job – cool the transmission – each type does it a little differently. Transmission fluid can’t be cooled too much, so installing the biggest cooler that fits in your engine compartment and that provides the most cooling protection for your transmission is a good idea. Your locally owned AAMCO Colorado transmission center can help you determine which one will fit and is best for your purposes.

How Do You Install a Transmission Cooler?

The most common way is to have the cooler attached with rods and fasteners. The rods, usually plastic, go through the transmission cooler and the radiator and secured with the fasteners.

How does a plate and fin cooler work?

The plate-and-fin style of transmission cooler works on the same principle as the tube-and-fin but is more efficient. It forces fluid through smaller plates that cause agitation of the fluid. The small, flat plates allow more fluid to contact the surface inside the cooler, which maximizes heat transfer and minimizes pressure drop.

Why is it important to keep your transmission cool?

Keeping Your Transmission Cool for Best Performance. An automatic transmission works harder when towing heavy loads or driving in rough conditions, so it gets hotter than usual. Extreme heat is dangerous to your transmission, and if you frequently use your vehicle for towing or hauling loads, and/or drive in rough conditions such as hilly terrain ...

Does a transmission cooler help to tow?

A vehicle used for towing may sometimes benefit from an additional transmission cooler. Towing increases the load and puts additional strain on a vehicle’s transmission, thereby increasing the heat that is generated and the cooling levels required to ensure the transmission doesn’t burn out. An auxiliary transmission cooler will not increase the towing or hauling capacity of a vehicle. If you overload the vehicle, no amount of cooling will make it haul or tow more than the maximum specified weight. You just need a more powerful vehicle. Also, a transmission cooler is not a solution for other transmission problems that can cause transmissions to overheat and fail. If your transmission is slipping or having other problems, you should come to your local Colorado AAMCO transmission center for complete Vehicle Courtesy Check by our certified technicians.

Does AAMCO Colorado transmission cooler work?

AAMCO Colorado can help you make the right decision for your car, based on your driving habits, requirements, and a transmission Vehicle Courtesy Check. Once you know what type of cooler you need, we’ll install it and make sure it’s working properly, keeping the transmission cool and running smoothly.

What transmissions have cooler line fittings?

early Poncho TH400s are one of the very few transmissions that came with 3/8" cooler line fittings.....

What length of line is used for a trans cooler?

Lower line entering the trans cooler was made from one store-bought 60" length of line that comes with the ends already flared, got lucky that it turned out to be just the right size. The upper line needed a little more length so I used a union and made up a short piece with a 90 degree bend, just as well because if the upper line was one piece I wouldn't have been able to get it in there.

What line is needed for a 10" 3500 flash stall?

The 10" 3500 flash-stall Continental converter I'm running needs as much cooling as it can get, so the 3/8" lines will help feed the B&M Super Cooler.

What fuel lines do I use for Kathy's Ranchero?

I used the steel fuel lines for Kathy's Ranchero. It was a bit tuff to bend and get just right but if you work methodically from front to back it works out fine.

Is fuel line the same as transmission line?

metal fuel line is the same stuff as metal transmission cooler line, and it's the same stuff (just larger size) as metal brake line.

Do you need rubber ends on a radiator?

The only time you need rubber ends is if you have an add on type trans cooler, most are designed to work with rubber hose. If you are just using the radiator's built in trans cooler, then yes you should run just steel line to it.

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1.Transmission Cooler Lines – The Complete Guide

Url:https://transmissioncoolerguide.com/transmission-cooler-lines/

19 hours ago  · The transmission cooling line system is vital to any automatic transmission. It circulates the hot fluid away to the radiator via cooler lines and returns the cooled fluid back to the transmission. A loss of fluid leading to an overheated transmission can be devastating as the system loses its ability to cool.

2.Transmission Cooler Lines – The Complete Guide – …

Url:https://www.spelabautoparts.com/blogs/blog/transmission-cooler-lines-the-complete-guide

3 hours ago  · Transmission Cooler Line System. The transmission cooling line system is vital to any automatic transmission. It circulates the hot fluid away to the radiator via cooler lines and returns the cooled fluid back to the transmission. A loss of fluid leading to an overheated transmission can be devastating as the system loses its ability to cool.

3.What is a transmission cooler line in a car? - Quora

Url:https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-transmission-cooler-line-in-a-car

26 hours ago Also known as transmission cooling lines, they are typically made of metal or composite aluminium and rubber hoses because they can handle the flow of hot transmission fluid. How much does it cost to replace a transmission cooler line? The average cost for trans oil cooler line replacement is between $226 and $253. Labor costs are estimated between $103 and $130 …

4.How Transmission Coolers Work | HowStuffWorks

Url:https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/equipment/accessories/transmission-coolers.htm

33 hours ago A transmission cooling line is a solid metal line that connects a vehicle's transmission and transmission cooler. Each transmission cooler has two lines: the inlet that takes the coolant to the transmission and the outlet that takes the fluid back to the cooler.

5.What You Need to Know About Automatic Transmission …

Url:https://www.aamcocolorado.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-automatic-transmission-coolers/

18 hours ago The function of the cooler lines is to transfer transmission fluid to an air-air heat exchanger that is mounted on the front of the vehicle. This cooler, cools the fluid before returning it back to the transmission. If you have leaking transmission cooler lines they can cause transmission fluid to leak out of the transmission.

6.what do i use for transmission coolant lines | The H.A.M.B.

Url:https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/what-do-i-use-for-transmission-coolant-lines.200818/

7 hours ago  · Installing a transmission cooler is an extra precaution against overheating your transmission, and many people decide to use them in tow vehicles. Transmission coolers come in many different shapes and sizes, and there are a few things to consider when choosing one.

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