Usually running at extremely high temperatures, car fluids, as well as transmission fluids, are prone to overheating thus, a car’s engine would not function well. To deal with this issue, cooling lines are installed in transmissions to help pull transmission fluid from the transmission and transfer it to the radiator to cool it down before circulating it back to the transmission.
In simple words, cooling lines are designed to remove extra heat from the transmission fluid. Just like any other engine part, these can malfunction, wear out, break or form leaks, making your car unsafe. Thankfully, a quick fix can help as most transmission cooling line repair costs roughly around $100 to $500.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Transmission Cooling Line?
You might be wondering why there is no exact estimate available for the cost of a transmission cooling line repair. This is because these vary with regards to your vehicle’s model and make, the labor rates charged by different mechanics, your geographical location, and lastly, the part of the cooling line where you need to have it fixed.
An average cost for transmission cooling line replacement would be around $100 to $450, labor around $60 to $300, while parts range from $40 to $160. For some who are into DIYs, one can simply purchase it on AutoZone for about $15 to $50.
Cooler lines can be replaced on your own at minimal costs. However, be sure that you have correctly assessed and identified the problem before going out and buying parts to replace and fix it. Misdiagnosis often leads to complications as this can severely damage your vehicle, costing you more money.
As you can see, replacing the transmission cooling lines can be pretty simple. Some lines are cheaper compared to the others wherein only the rubber lines need to be replaced but if the problem is to be addressed early on, then the cost would not be much high.
How Long Does It Take To Repair A Transmission Line?
Repairing your transmission cooling line can take a lot of time as these often take a day or two depending on how extensive the work is. Another thing to note is that transmission systems in modern cars are much more complicated than in older cars. Also, transmission lines are complex parts in a car’s engine so leaks need to be thoroughly checked to protect your vehicle.
Mechanics first inspect the transmission, its cooler, and the line to confirm if there is a leak. Once these are confirmed, draining of the transmission cooler will follow, then after the transmission is disconnected. After draining and clearing the lines, they will be disconnected before placing a new line is installed in reversed order.
Once the new lines are connected, transmission fluid will be refilled to check if there are no leaks. The entire process and the length of time very much depend on the nature of the leak as the mechanic needs to inspect the rest of the transmission in case they need to conduct any other necessary repairs as well.
Can You Drive With A Leaking Transmission Cooler Line?
The truth is you may still drive while getting your transmission cooling line repaired, especially if it is just a minor leak, but do note that this may worsen over time as your car’s fluid level may drop very low to a point that it becomes dangerous which may lead to transmission problems.
Worst comes to worst, the whole transmission may seize causing your transmission replacement cost to double or even triple. Remember, the more damage your car’s transmission has, the more your engine is affected.
Luckily, a transmission leak is an early warning indication that you should have your transmission cooling lines replaced, thus there is no excuse for you to ignore it when it is still practical and manageable. It is common knowledge to have something repaired as soon as you notice it is broken while it’s still affordable than to wait for it to worsen.
Indications of Trouble in Your Transmission Cooling Lines
1. Transmission Fluid Leak
One of the most obvious signs despite knowing that car leaks are very common. Check your car’s fluidity level, if it is low then chances are there is a leak. It is fairly easy to spot transmission fluid as it is a reddish color, once you notice it is leaking then that is the time you need to have your transmission lines replaced.
2. Hard Shifting Problems
If you notice that your car is having trouble shifting smoothly, this indicates that the transmission fluid levels are low. Other problems include transmission failure, worn-out clutch disc, and shifter cable, but most likely it is related to the cooling lines.
3. Visible Line Problems
Carefully inspect the transmission lines for holes, cracks, or bulges.
4. Unexpected Noises
Squealing or grinding sounds can be heard when a transmission is not properly lubricated. Noticeably, this is quite loud especially when you start your car, shift gears, or when shifting to the park after a drive.
5. Unpleasant Burning Smell
An indication that your transmission is overheating is when you notice a burning smell. Often, the reason for this is the transmission line problems.
Expert Tip: Once you notice any of the possible signs listed above, have your vehicle repaired quickly. Waiting will only make things worse as replacement costs would build up along the way.
Conclusion
Transmission cooling lines are vital elements in ensuring that your vehicle’s transmission functions properly. Early indications of transmission overheating, transmission fluid leaks, or minor damages can lead to severe damage soon enough.
Make sure to have your vehicles inspected by a mechanic once you notice these signs as the longer you wait, the worst it may be.