Transmission Cooling Line Repair?

[EddieC]

His trans is a 700R4, which is essentially the same as the 4L60E, at least, in this case. It sure looks like mine. Your '08 should be like mine. Or is yours a 4WD and that makes it more complicated?

4 WD.

 

[EddieC]

Broke everything loose with 1/2" line wrench. Then used a short open end to remove. Started all fittings by hand and finished running them down with open end and tightened down with the line wrench. Went well. Radiator area was plenty of room. At the transmission was tight with lots of wrench flipping.

Pretty sure I have Jiffy-tite connections; Have to get in there to pull the locking clips.

 

[OR VietVet]

Mine was tight but I just used a short 1/2" line wrench and a stubby 1/2" combination wrench. Your lines may be 13 mm. Just have to hold your tongue just right. I have much bigger hands than an 8 year old.

 

[iamdub]

Pretty sure I have Jiffy-tite connections; Have to get in there to pull the locking clips.

I use a shop rag. Put the edge of the rag (the sewn seam) around the fitting so that the edge seam will catch the points of the clip. Pull it kinda tight with the ends of the rag wrapping the fitting and pull each loose end while rotating and keeping it tight. The rag will snag on the outward splayed ends of the clip and pull it off while being contained in the rag instead of flying off into oblivion.

This same trick works for manual window cranks instead of damaging the door panel all around the crank handle while you try to dig your screwdriver or pick behind it.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Pretty sure I have Jiffy-tite connections; Have to get in there to pull the locking clips.

There's a tool to release the spring tension without removing the clip. Once tension is released the line just pulls out. New line just push in and it'll snap securely.

I have the Lisle low profile one. Just slip over line, push towards fitting and twist.

Lisle 22930 3/8" Low Profile Disconnect https://a.co/d/1VsUezR

 

[solli5pack]

I did the lines on my 08 Yukon in the driveway and not gonna lie , it really sucked but it is doable. My lines were stuck in the transmission so the quick release tool's didn't work and I had to pull out the clips with a pick. Putting the clips back in was fun as well. I have big hands and was able to get it done with a mirror and a lot of spilled knuckle blood. My 10 Burb was much easier with the lines bolting up to the side of the trans.

 

[j91z28d1]

There's a tool to release the spring tension without removing the clip. Once tension is released the line just pulls out. New line just push in and it'll snap securely.

I have the Lisle low profile one. Just slip over line, push towards fitting and twist.

Lisle 22930 3/8" Low Profile Disconnect https://a.co/d/1VsUezR

I had no idea tool existed. the amount of time I've wasted over these clips by either losing them or fighting with a pick to pull them out at some odd angle you can't get your hand into.

ugh. I'm getting the set of 4.

 

[Geotrash]

I had no idea tool existed. the amount of time I've wasted over these clips by either losing them or fighting with a pick to pull them out at some odd angle you can't get your hand into.

ugh. I'm getting the set of 4.

That's the kind of tool that I buy and then forget that I have when I need it.

 

[EddieC]

I did the lines on my 08 Yukon in the driveway and not gonna lie , it really sucked but it is doable. My lines were stuck in the transmission so the quick release tool's didn't work and I had to pull out the clips with a pick. Putting the clips back in was fun as well. I have big hands and was able to get it done with a mirror and a lot of spilled knuckle blood. My 10 Burb was much easier with the lines bolting up to the side of the trans.

i'm guessing GM installs them before the body is mounted and laughs on the way out to lunch.

 

[j91z28d1]

That's the kind of tool that I buy and then forget that I have when I need it.

haha, was going to say now watch me never work on them again.

 

[iamdub]

i'm guessing GM installs them before the body is mounted and laughs on the way out to lunch.

Just like that hanger bolt on the driver side leaf spring of the trucks. It's in place before the fuel tank is installed. The frame side shackle bolt is the same- in place before the bed is bolted down and the pinch weld blocks it.

 

[OR VietVet]

haha, was going to say now watch me never work on them again.

On a tool like that, I have a friend/shop owner that has those tools and I can borrow if needed. It IS nice to be able to open the tool box and see you have it covered though.....IF.

 

[EddieC]

There's a tool to release the spring tension without removing the clip. Once tension is released the line just pulls out. New line just push in and it'll snap securely.

I have the Lisle low profile one. Just slip over line, push towards fitting and twist.

Lisle 22930 3/8" Low Profile Disconnect https://a.co/d/1VsUezR

I have seen mixed reviews on those tools. Some say they fail and others swear by them.
The cost would make it an on the fence decision for a one time repair.

 

[BlaineBug]

When I was a teenager with my first vehicle, a 1995 Jeep Cherokee, I did the same thing, cut off the crimped fittings from both ends of the transmission oil cooler lines and slid on new rubber fuel line, double clamping both ends with a worm drive clamp. Never had any issues, however the best way would be to create a double flare on the ends of the metal lines to help the rubber hoses from sliding off in addition to the clamps.

 

[OR VietVet]

When I was a teenager with my first vehicle, a 1995 Jeep Cherokee, I did the same thing, cut off the crimped fittings from both ends of the transmission oil cooler lines and slid on new rubber fuel line, double clamping both ends with a worm drive clamp. Never had any issues, however the best way would be to create a double flare on the ends of the metal lines to help the rubber hoses from sliding off in addition to the clamps.

If you gotta use rubber hose on the metal lines, at least use band clamps and at least double or triple them at each connection. Also, make sure you use oil hose and not coolant hose.

 

[EddieC]

I'll close this out by saying that our Tahoe was in the shop for another issue and I mentioned the trans line leak and implied at cutting in a patch because I'd seen the difficult access at the transmission end.

When I picked the truck up they had replaced the line and the total charge was only $55.
They said they do them all the time and that it is no big deal. I was more than happy with the charge and happy to have it done.