Replacing Transmission Fluid lines to Rad. How?

[sad-lumina-owner]

I examined the metal lines running from the transmission to the bottom passengerside of the radiator (presumably to cool the tranny fluid).

They looked good for the first 4 inches, then there is heavy rusting as they travel along behind the rad at the bottom, especially in nearly invisible and inaccessable place under the fans. (first noticed this when removing a fan to work on AC/starter).

Here is a photo:



Actually, in places hidden from the camera (top view) the rust is worse.

My question now is, how can I replace the rusted sections BEFORE they start leaking or something.

In other words, I want to do some preventative maintenance here, but I'm not sure about air in the lines, bleeding the transmission etc.

[inafogg]

hello,you dont need to worry about air or having to bleed.it does look to be a tight place to work maybe removing rad would make it easier.i'd ask around to see if this maybe a problem area for your car.are you sure its not surface rust?? maybe checking the strenth of line by squeezing will tell you. Good Luck!!

[sad-lumina-owner]

Originally Posted by inafogg

hello,you dont need to worry about air or having to bleed.it does look to be a tight place to work maybe removing rad would make it easier.i'd ask around to see if this maybe a problem area for your car.are you sure its not surface rust?? maybe checking the strenth of line by squeezing will tell you. Good Luck!!

Thanks for the tip. I guess air pockets/bubbles work themselves out in the tranny system.

I'd rather not have to pull the rad, as refilling it might be risky (judging by cracked block horror stories).

It looked as though the metal lines are short, running only from rad to rubber hoses a few feet over. Maybe thats all one piece though, and the rubber hoses can't be cut back and rejoined.

Does anyone know if thats a permanent connection or if you can cut the transmission hose and reconnect with a clamp?

I'd like to save money by grabbing the metal bits from a wrecker.

This time I'd like to paint them with rustproof paint BEFORE they rust...

What is the pressure in the transmission fluid line here? low? because it seems that the tranny fluid is like the oil system...just gravity and a pump, low pressure?

Also, there's another metal (larger) line that runs out of the motor/tranny and makes a loop on the front frame before returning, what is that? because it also is rusting at one end.