Chevy Uplander Transmission Cooler Lines Leaking

[Tony Mazzarella]

Hi Eric,

I have a 2006 Chevy Uplander with 82,000 miles on it. I recently noticed the transmission cooler lines were leaking. Its not a severe leak, more like a few drips once in a while on the driveway. When I check the fluid, the dipstick has a lot of air bubbles but the level is pretty good. The vehicle shifts fine. Is this something I need to worry about immediately or can I live with this for now. I don’t want to invest a ton of money in this vehicle. Thanks. Matt

Topic

[Steven Cummings]

Is the leaking in the line between the cooler and tranny? Is it the fitting at the tranny or the cooler? Or is it the cooler itself? aftermarket tranny coolers aren’t too expensive and work well enough. Tranny leaks don’t seem to stay small in my experience.

[Tony Mazzarella]

[quote=”KingMeander” post=96098]Is the leaking in the line between the cooler and tranny? Is it the fitting at the tranny or the cooler? Or is it the cooler itself? aftermarket tranny coolers aren’t too expensive and work well enough. Tranny leaks don’t seem to stay small in my experience.[/quote]

It is leaking in the middle of the lines where a bracket holds them in place. I wiped around the area and the leak was back the next day. Thanks

[Steven Cummings]

What could be done on a budget is buying a short length of rubber hose designed for tranny fluid and you could cut a small section of your metal line out and fit the rubber one in. Since it’s under a bracket as well, put some sort of rubber or plastic insulator in between the hose/bracket to prevent further damage. I’ve done this one for a quick temporary fix. Perhaps a more experienced person will weigh in.

Good luck!

[EricTheCarGuy]

Air bubbles in transmission fluid is not a good thing. Leaks aren’t either. If you’re on a budget I think the above suggestion should work fine if that is indeed where the leak is coming from. I sometimes double up on the hose clamps to help seal it better. More info on leaks here.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Glenn]

Are you sure those are the transmission cooler lines versus the power steering lines that are routed just behind and underneath the radiator? If so, it could be power steering fluid leaking from the power steering pump/lines from above. This would be passenger side and near the engine mount on the subframe. That’s where the power steering lines bracket is located. The transmission cooler lines actually connect to the radiator itself. Send us a pic if you can. Best of luck….

[Author]

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