Rotting transmission Lines
- Thread starter JKC2638
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Yup. I had to replace those on my '03 last year.
TechWrench
Senior Member
Within the last year, I have had to replace both the transmission cooling lines that run along side the engine, the return line from the steering rack to the pump, and had both front frame extensions repaired and the front aux cross member replaced. These Toyota's are not built to withstand the Northeast winter road conditions.
I'm pretty sure any vehicle dunked in salt for 12+ years is not going to come out the other end without corrosion issues.
It might be worth it to go with aftermarket stuff like PTFE AN hose, or even brass fittings to rubber lines the whole way. No corrosion worries then.
I had the entire frame replaced on my '03. Hang around a while and a fellow will be along to tell you that the reason yours rusted is because you neglected it.
TechWrench
Senior Member
I am fully aware of the issue with the use of road salt in the Northeast. But, the amount of rust damage I have seen on both my 4Runners is way more than any of the other vehicles I have owned in the past. My wife has an '02 X5, with 142k, and with the exception of one brake line rust failure, is in way better shape than either of my 4Runners. And, the brake line failure is because of a specific part failure that only the X5's use. No other BMW's of that vintage have this level of rust damage.
Given the documented problems with Sequoia's, Tundras, Tacomas, and what others have reported about their 4Runners, it appears, IMHO, that Toyota design wasn't prepared to deal with the winter conditions in the North.
I worked as a Tech at a Honda Dealership in the early 80's, and Honda had a Major rust problem with frames and suspension components back then. Honda went through a series of recalls to repair/replace damaged components for a few years. But, they learned their lesson, and subsequent vehicles were a lot less prone to rust damage. Toyota cut corners, IMHO, for cost reasons and we are suffering the results.
You can't design enough cathodic protection into something like a brake or transmission line to make a difference in long term corrosion resistance in a salt/oxygen rich environment.
The difference between your X5 and the 4Runner is probably 95% down to having the underbody and wheelwells sealed much better to avoid the salt spray situation on most components in the first place.
A BOF design like the 4Runner doesn't really lend itself to enclosing things off like you can in a unibody design.
Most trucks/BOF SUVs have similar issues for similar reasons.
But cost is one of the reasons. For another $50 per car, they could go with a Cu-Ni-Fe brake line and not have corrosion issues with it. But as long as everybody uses much cheaper coated steel lines, it's a tough sell, because where do you stop? You add $50 to the cost in 20 areas, and now we're starting to make a big change to the price of the vehicle.
TechWrench
Senior Member
I understand that one might think the underbody covers would help shield the lines and other parts form salt spray, but the line that failed was under the driver side seat, well within the 'protected' area. As the BMW tech noted, the covers do afford a degree of protection, but they also prevent an underbody/spray wash from rinsing the area clean. And I do understand that every potential problem area that is addressed has a cost associated to it. Given the level of corrosion enhancing materials that are present every winter to attack our northern vehicles, I can live with the transmission/brake line failures. But the amount of frame failures is another thing. I can replace transmission/brake lines fairly easily, at an acceptable cost. Not so with a failed frame. It sucks to have to consider junking a 12 year old vehicle that, except for the frame, is still in very good condition.
JKC2638
New member
I know about the rust problems all too well. I was a Toyota service manager for 10 years and dealt with many frames that were rotted. The thing that pissed me off was my rep telling me that a customer with a rotted 4Runner frame they were not going to help. His words were "We are going to stone wall them until they go away"!!!! What BS from them with all the history they have with rusted frames.
TechWrench
Senior Member
I got mine from Partznet, online Toyota Dealer. Original parts, just a bit less than walking into the local dealership. They fit exactly, but it was a bit of a chore snaking them into place while vehicle was only up on jack stands. A lift would have been MUCH easier. Also, you may want to order one or more of the brackets that hold the lines to the side of the engine. Since everything was so rusted, I broke one when trying to remove bolt holding bracket.
xBFxSinfonian
New member
To everyone that has done this, did you also replace the lines running to/from the top half of the transmission pan? I'm having trouble figuring out how to remove these fittings:
I'm kind of stumped as to what tool to use. I don't have very much clearance, even with my exhaust detached.
They're pretty rusted so I'm considering just cutting them with my Sawzall and try to get a socket over the fitting. Either at the line, or cut the right angle itself and try to get a wrench over that. I ordered all new brackets and parts from Toyota, so I can replace the whole system short of the pan itself, lol.
Any ideas are appreciated!
P.S. Tip while I'm here, be careful ordering transmission filters from RockAuto. They have several listed incorrectly as fitting our trucks. I bought the AC Delco and was already covered in trans fluid before I saw it was not the right one. And put your pan gasket under some books the night before to flatten it out!
Drcoffee
Senior Member
You can use a small plumbers tube cutter which doesnt create any fragments. Then remove and replace the fittings.
I was just replacing the radiator and water pump on my ‘07 sport when I noticed the hard lines below the radiator were crumbling. The drivers side was beyond hope but the passengers side had some life left. I cut the pipes 4” from the passenger side bracket (between brackets). Removed the drivers side pipe and bracket and just connected 3/8” tranny hose to the cut pipe with a screw type hose clamp. Cost $0. I was also adding a tranny cooler so I had the extra hose needed. This way the hose was still secured to the radiator support.
Note to all: If you havent checked your steel lines in a while. You should. They were not coated very well and are most likely corroded.
I was just replacing the radiator and water pump on my ‘07 sport when I noticed the hard lines below the radiator were crumbling. The drivers side was beyond hope but the passengers side had some life left. I cut the pipes 4” from the passenger side bracket (between brackets). Removed the drivers side pipe and bracket and just connected 3/8” tranny hose to the cut pipe with a screw type hose clamp. Cost $0. I was also adding a tranny cooler so I had the extra hose needed. This way the hose was still secured to the radiator support.
Note to all: If you havent checked your steel lines in a while. You should. They were not coated very well and are most likely corroded.
I have a 2005 4runner SR5 with 150000 miles and not a speck of rust on the painted body anywhere. All the brake lines, abs lines and tranny lines are AOK, and I’m always looking for fluid leaks.
IHad a GM Jimmy from new and a Caddy two years old. The JIMmy brake lines rusted out everywhere and had to buy and replace within ten years and the entire body was full of rust.
Never had any issues with rusted transmission lines.
I live in the hot hot hot Bahamas.
The under frame of the 4runner has very minor superficial rust and the grey under coat is looking good.
My 4runner came from Japan and was never landed in the USA. I’m not sure it even has Cadilatic converters. Is that possible?
IHad a GM Jimmy from new and a Caddy two years old. The JIMmy brake lines rusted out everywhere and had to buy and replace within ten years and the entire body was full of rust.
Never had any issues with rusted transmission lines.
I live in the hot hot hot Bahamas.
The under frame of the 4runner has very minor superficial rust and the grey under coat is looking good.
My 4runner came from Japan and was never landed in the USA. I’m not sure it even has Cadilatic converters. Is that possible?
firebirdguy
Member
consider yourself lucky you live on a tropical island & dont have to deal with rust issues... 99.9% of 4runner owners on here live in the states & many of them in snowy climates that have to deal with rust.
& yes your 4runner has "catalytic" converters, required for emissions on all modern vehicles....
& yes your 4runner has "catalytic" converters, required for emissions on all modern vehicles....
