Changing out radiator- do I need to refill tranny? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Jj51702 · 05-30-2019, 06:10 PM

Hi
I’m looking to have my radiator replaced because it is leaking. From my understanding, when the transmission lines are disconnected a small amount of transmission fluid is lost. Does this need to be replaced or is this amount of loss insignificant?

AuSeeker · 05-30-2019, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jj51702

Hi
I’m looking to have my radiator replaced because it is leaking. From my understanding, when the transmission lines are disconnected a small amount of transmission fluid is lost. Does this need to be replaced or is this amount of loss insignificant?

Just losing a little bit of fluid from disconnecting the transmissions cooling lines wouldn't concern me too much, not that much fluid will be loss....but when replacing the radiator you will also be losing the transmission fluid still in the radiator as well, so in this case I would recommend checking the fluid level using the proper procedure and add fluid to get the level where it should be.

Just an FYI, if the transmission fluid has never been changed I would highly recommend to do so at the same time as replacing the radiator, it would be a good time to do a complete fluid replacement IMHO!

Jj51702 · 05-31-2019, 03:26 AM

Any other opinions? I’ve called about 8 nearby shops and half claim no topoff is needed while the others claim anything from 1/4 to 1/2 quart will be lost and replaced.

Gatafly · 05-31-2019, 07:51 AM

No, you won't need to. there will only be a tiny amount as it drains back into the tranny when not running.

ZebRuaj · 05-31-2019, 09:07 AM

I had a couple drips while removing mines. Not enough to worry about.

CookieRoe · 05-31-2019, 09:56 AM

A friend helped me with installing a new radiator out about 2 months ago. A few drops of ATF were lost, nothing to worry in the least.

firebirdguy · 05-31-2019, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookieRoe

A friend helped me with installing a new radiator out about 2 months ago. A few drops of ATF were lost, nothing to worry in the least.

the few drops coming out when disconnecting the hoses is not a concern... but what about the amount thats in the trans cooler in the radiator? that holds about 1/4qt or so.

CookieRoe · 05-31-2019, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firebirdguy

the few drops coming out when disconnecting the hoses is not a concern... but what about the amount thats in the trans cooler in the radiator? that holds about 1/4qt or so.

Sorry about that. I left my trans cooler alone. My radiator was leaking and only replaced that.

That_Titanium_4RNR · 05-31-2019, 12:35 PM

Just did my timing belt a few days back, and did my radiator at the same time. I only lost a few drops of fluid, and did not add any back. I've already driven about 400 miles and it seems to be fine. However my fluid looked like sh!t and i will definitely be doing a drain and fill via the lines at some point this summer.

firebirdguy · 05-31-2019, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookieRoe

Sorry about that. I left my trans cooler alone. My radiator was leaking and only replaced that.

i meant the trans cooler inside the radiator, where the trans lines connect to the radiator there is a small internal cooler submerged in coolant.

but i have read you can undo the upper trans line first & possibly blow into it to push all the trans fluid back into the trans pan.

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