Which is more important to have done

[AnarchyX]

My tranny is losing about a quart every month through the cooler lines because the connectors don't fit like they should.

I also am at the mileage to have the fluid and filter changed.

To change the fluid and filter will cost about $150 to $180 and the lines, with connectors, will cost about $175 to replace.

I can only afford one this month and can do the other job next month.

Which would be best to have done out of both?

The tranny runs smooth and only gave me clutch problems when I found it was low over a quart. Since I've been keeping the fluid level where it should be there have been no problems and the dealer transmission mecahnic told me as long as I keep it leveled correctly there would be no harm to the tranny.

 

[Astro14]

Personal opinion: I would fix the leak - they have an irritating habit of getting worse...much worse and you could lose enough fluid on your drive to affect the trans...and that would be really expensive.

Going 2 or 3 thousand miles (a month of driving) over the change interval on a trans isn't a big deal...some people never change it at all and still get well over 100K...

 

[dave1251]

If you have to choose get the cooler line fixed. Also if you have to keep adding fresh ATF your fluid should be fine. Are you taking it to a dealer? If so look for a good independent in your area because you may be able to get both done close to the price of one service a the dealership. Try to keep your transmission in good working order it is the most expensive item on your vehicle.

 

[AnarchyX]

Thanks guys, I think I will get the leak fixed first, especially since I've replaced the fluuid and filters every 50k like I've supposed to so it should be fine going a bit over.

Besides, the fluid is still red so that's a good sign.

 

[Bandito440]

Make sure it's topped off and do both at the same time next month. You'll likely save on labor that way. Have a good independent shop do it.

 

[Loobed]

Fix the leak first. By continuously adding fluid, you have already changed your fluid.

 

[Artem]

Get decent strong clamps that you can tighten with a screw driver to ratchet and replace the current clamps.

Even if the lines have strong indentations from the previous clamps, if you tighten the new clamps good enough, you shouldn't have a problem.

My 98 Camry had the same thing and i didn't replace a thing except $15 in new clamps.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I crushed both transmission lines in my Cherokee. To repair, I cut the line open and just threw on some transmission tubing of the same size.

Use multiple clamps ... minimum of 3 for each connection getting repaired.

I used 1 and tightened it very tight. Sitting at a stoplight it worked its way off.

I now have 3 on each connection, tightened VERY tight with a socket on the screw drive clamp. It still leaks but hasn't worked its way off

 

[mechtech2]

Fix the leak first.
You have been getting a perpetual oil change with that leak, so it doesn't sound like it needs new fluid right away.

 

[Ken2]

Wait a month and have both jobs done. The cooler lines will have to be disconnected for the flush, then they can go back with new lines. You might save some labor charge if you demand it, 'cuz some of the work won't have to be duplicated. Normally they'd charge twice for this work even when they just do it once.

Are new lines actually required, or just seals on the ends?