Transmission line leak - what's the most likely source?

[tolkien404]

I have a leak in the line carrying trans fluid to the radiator for cooling in my 95 Lumina, 3.1L. It's on the upper line. Going from the radiator to the pan, the leak is after the line turns from silver metal into rubber... on the right side of the car, catecorner to the radiation drain valve. It's far enough back that it's dripping on just the edge of the metal piece below it (then it drips from there onto the ground). I haven't raised the car to locate where it is exactly, but I'm hoping it's just a gasket that's leaking.

Anyone know of a common leak point on either trans line there? Can someone tell me what that area is called (i.e. which gasket would I ask for at NAPA, etc)? I realize I'll probably have to drain the trans fluid to replace it if it is a gasket (or the rubber line itself). Any information at all would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[bigfry]

Well, get a rag and clean the suspected area off real well. If its leaking around the clamps going from the metal to the rubber hose, they might just be loose and need repositioning or put regular hose clamps on it that you can tighten. Or if its in the line itself the stuffs cheap so just replace it. They easiest thing to do would be to measure the length of rubber tube, if thats whats leaking and replace it. If it has special fittings on the ends find where the leak is and if you can just tighten something to fix then do it if not replace the line.

[travelair]

Sorry to bring up such an old post, but...

My 95 is doing the same thing except, the fitting of the fluid line seems to have a weep hole right behind where it is crimped. When the car is running, fluid wells up in the hole, fills all the indents of the fitting then begins dripping. I just bought the car and completed the lower intake manifold repair but I did not touch the fluid coolant lines. I don't think the leak was occuring before the repair.

The only complication I had was neglecting to correctly install the PCV line to the intake manifold (the one held down by the throttle cable bracket) resulting in a huge open hole in the manifold. The car started right up and imediatly went to the rev-limiter. It made some popping sounds when I shut it down and I'm wondering if there is any way I could have damaged the transmission?

Anyway, thanks for your replies. Again, the hole appears to a weep hole, it is perfectly drilled in the metal fitting of the coolant line. Is it supposed to be there? What does it mean when fluid comes out? Is it an indicator of some other damage?

[travelair]

Never mind, I replaced the line and the leak stopped. The new line also has the same weep hole. I still wonder what it's for....