Transmission cooler lines

[garyg54]

My 2000 4Rnr, V6, 155K miles experienced the pink milk shake syndrome a few months back. What a lovely design. Vehicle had to be towed and $1000 later it was back on the road. I noticed the other day when changing the oil that the cooler lines to & from the transmission are really corroded. Should these be changed. Do these lines have a history of failing? Is it a tough job?

Typically it seems the Japanese designs seemed well thought out but I think they must have been hitting the sake real hard when they came up with the tranny cooler design and the oil filter location on this SUV.

 

[Brilliant]

Radiators are a 100k service mate.

Yes replace lines, they don't last forever. Try to find metric hoses. It's true 10mm hose that Toyota uses and 3/8s is about 9.5mm. The 3/8 hose I got from napa was super hard to get on the trans side fittings.

Oil filter is best reached through the fender.

 

[HCurphy]

Typically it seems the Japanese designs seemed well thought out but I think they must have been hitting the sake real hard when they came up with the tranny cooler design and the oil filter location on this SUV.

Don't forget about the pre-99 cupholders, the rear shock mounts, and the abs system.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Are you talking about the rubber lines or the hard metal lines?

 

[garyg54]

Are you talking about the rubber lines or the hard metal lines?

Hard metal lines. Thanks

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I've never seen them corrode but like any metal I'm sure they do. My guess would be to call the dealer and see how much they are. I'm guessing that they're a press fit but I'm sure some others can confirm that.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

While we're on it though, are you sure you're not looking at the rear heater lines? They run in the same general area but are a bit more visible than the tranny cooler lines.

 

[garyg54]

While we're on it though, are you sure you're not looking at the rear heater lines? They run in the same general area but are a bit more visible than the tranny cooler lines.

Is the rear heater fed from the engine coolant? I thought it was hot air fed somehow from the heater coil in the dash. If you are correct, maybe they are the rear heater lines. I will have to look again.

I called the dealer and the tranny cooler lines are $50 a piece.

Thanks PBR

 

[Nelsonmd]

I think pitbull is right, you are probably looking at the rear heater lines. If they run down the passenger side frame rail, then they are the rear heater lines. If they come directly off the tranny and head forwards, then they are tranny lines.

Here are my old stock rear heater lines, this is pass side frame rail looking forwards:

The rear heater is fed by coolant from the engine. The tranny cooler lines are rubber most of the way, so they won't really be corroding. It is very common for the rear heater lines to corrode. Search for a walkthrough on it. Fightman80 did a write-up for replacing them.

FYI, you can replace them with soft line for less than $10, otherwise the stock lines will cost you over $60.

 

[garyg54]

I think pitbull is right, you are probably looking at the rear heater lines. If they run down the passenger side frame rail, then they are the rear heater lines. If they come directly off the tranny and head forwards, then they are tranny lines.

Here are my old stock rear heater lines, this is pass side frame rail looking forwards:

The rear heater is fed by coolant from the engine. The tranny cooler lines are rubber most of the way, so they won't really be corroding. It is very common for the rear heater lines to corrode. Search for a walkthrough on it. Fightman80 did a write-up for replacing them.

FYI, you can replace them with soft line for less than $10, otherwise the stock lines will cost you over $60.

The lines I was looking at are on the drivers side. Talked to the dealer and tranny cooler lines are metal from tranny almost to the cooler where they transition over to rubber.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Neither of them are on the driver's side. The tranny cooler lines and the rear heater lines both run on the passenger side.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Neither of them are on the driver's side. The tranny cooler lines and the rear ehater lines both run on the passenger side.

Yeah, they are on the passenger side of the transmission.

Garyg, are you looking at power steering lines?

 

[Qyota]

My guess is he's looking at power steering or fuel lines. Fuel line runs the length of the driver's side. That's about it.

FWIW - my power steering lines are pretty rusty. Might have to replace them in addition to all the other steering components this spring. Ugh...

 

[garyg54]

Yeah, they are on the passenger side of the transmission.

Garyg, are you looking at power steering lines?

I will check when I get back home in about an hour and let you know. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[garyg54]

I stand corrected. The lines I was referring to are in fact the power steering lines. The tranny cooler lines are on the passenger side and look great. Thanks for guidance on this. With 155K miles on it, should the power steering lines be replaced? They look like crap. Are they prone to failure?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Being that you're a fellow east coaster, I'd say replace them. It sure as hell can't hurt. Might as well flush the PS fluid while you're at it.

 

[Qyota]

Yikes! $264 from toyotapartseast.com! I might try salvaging mine. They aren't terrible, but the paint is cracked and they are starting to rust away. Could just sand 'em down and coat them in something. Yeesh.