Is it possible to....
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: San Diego Ca
Is it possible to....
On a 99 C5. Is is possible to change the Upper Transmission cooler tube that goes to the top of the radiator???
The tube connects at the radiator and runs along the side of the engine block where it then connects to additional tubes that go back to the transmission. Due to the curves in the steel line I would like to know if I can change this myself.
Thanks, David
P.S. I suggest checking for this clearance on your car...The steel portion of the upper tube touched the lower idler pulley center bolt and nicked the tube creating a leak.
The tube connects at the radiator and runs along the side of the engine block where it then connects to additional tubes that go back to the transmission. Due to the curves in the steel line I would like to know if I can change this myself.
Thanks, David
P.S. I suggest checking for this clearance on your car...The steel portion of the upper tube touched the lower idler pulley center bolt and nicked the tube creating a leak.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 9
From: Ivins, Utah
I see the area that you are talking about and yea, the tube comes close to the bolt but I have about ¼” to 3/8” clearance. Both the upper and lower cooler hoses, which really look like smaller power steering hoses (metal tubes with rubber hoses), run down right next to each other and they seem to be pretty stiff in that area. Mine has a double loop clip which holds the two hoses together right above the bolt, maybe you are missing that clip ??
Sadly I do not know if these hoses can be replaced by the average person without having to fist doing something drastic like removing the engine, but I would tend to think that they are replaceable. I don’t know how far the metal tube goes, from your problem area back without a connector, but if there is a connector close by, I would at least try.
I gave my two tubes a bit of a bend forward, by hand, to help give a little more clearance.
Thanks and good luck.
Sadly I do not know if these hoses can be replaced by the average person without having to fist doing something drastic like removing the engine, but I would tend to think that they are replaceable. I don’t know how far the metal tube goes, from your problem area back without a connector, but if there is a connector close by, I would at least try.
I gave my two tubes a bit of a bend forward, by hand, to help give a little more clearance.
Thanks and good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Just cut the line below in front of the pulley/nick, then cut the line below the motor on the right front side, patch in 3/8" tranny cooler hose and route it under the steering rack (double clamp it on both ends if you don't flare it and it won't leak). Cost about $5 and do it yourself.
