replacing automatic transmission lines (Page 1/3)
hcforde MAY 17, 04:52 PM

I thought they were brake lines but I guess they are Automatic Transmission fluid lines...................they are on the driver side and they are leaking red fluid.

Are these easier than the brake lines?
Any special tips?
What size tubing if I want to do my own bending and flaring of copper nickel tubing?


Thanks
hcforde MAY 17, 05:16 PM
Are these under pressure? Can I just use a compression fitting temporarily?
cebix MAY 17, 06:10 PM
Yeah, they are under pressure - the pump is forcing flow through the radiator. A "quickie" fix might cause total fluid loss and transmission failure and you won't even know when.
Fiero Vampire MAY 17, 06:49 PM
Not sure what year your car is and whether it is any different from an 88 or you'll find this useful but I'll share in case you do. I'm mostly done converting my Formula from auto to manual and had to remove the automatic lines in order to install the clutch line. A couple things I did that help me pull out the lines in one piece was I unbolted the emergency brake handle from the frame and then pushed it and the cable towards the rear allowing the cable to be longer outside the car and allowing me to pull the emergency cable out of the way, so I could get the automatic lines out in the back and I also then unbolted the the brake lines from the frame in the front, so that they would have enough movement in order to get the lines out in the front I already had the front tub out and front and rear wheel wells, I'm pretty sure they have to be removed, but maybe someone else can chime in.

[This message has been edited by Fiero Vampire (edited 05-17-2017).]

css9450 MAY 17, 08:39 PM
I need to do this task also. My transmission lines were cobbled up from straight tubing by a previous owner (*cough* Twin Lakes Fiero *cough*) and although they do not leak they do not utilize the factory attachment points and brackets. I think Bob kind of free-lanced them. I'm forever worried I will run over some obstruction on the road and snag one of the lines.

The Fiero Store sells pre-made stainless-steel tubing for these lines and I have bought a set but not installed them yet. My first impressions of them is that they are really nice! I should really motivate myself and install them...
MRBLUE87 MAY 17, 09:55 PM
I have installed a set of Fierostore stainless trans cooler lines and this is the way to go. For the time it takes to replace them why not do it right. Only minor problem I had was one connection at the radiator leaked when fluid was warm. Turned out that I didn't have the line pointing exactly staight into the fitting. The stainless is harder than the original steel and wouldn't compress to fudge in an off angle line
hcforde MAY 18, 12:34 AM

quote
Originally posted by cebix:

Yeah, they are under pressure - the pump is forcing flow through the radiator. A "quickie" fix might cause total fluid loss and transmission failure and you won't even know when.




It is an 88 GT. How much pressure are they under? If the quickie fix does not leak and can withstand the pressure I am at a loss of where the danger comes from. I bought a Compression fitting from PEPBOYS and it stated "not for brake lines" . It will do approx 200PSI.

What is the overall length of the lines front to back. I was planning on getting some copper nickel line and fabricating it myself. If my Trans lines are having issues my brake lines should not be too far behind.
hcforde MAY 18, 12:36 AM

quote
Originally posted by MRBLUE87:

I have installed a set of Fierostore stainless trans cooler lines and this is the way to go. For the time it takes to replace them why not do it right. Only minor problem I had was one connection at the radiator leaked when fluid was warm. Turned out that I didn't have the line pointing exactly staight into the fitting. The stainless is harder than the original steel and wouldn't compress to fudge in an off angle line



How long did it take you?
olejoedad MAY 18, 07:20 AM
I posted this in your brake line thread.....

Transmission cooler lines on an 88 are a real PITA if you buy the preformed stainless lines.
The stainless lines are very hard, and do not bend easily for tweaking to fit up to the radiator fittings. I've installed many sets on all years of Fieros, 88's are just a real joy.
The easiest way to do it is to drop the front cradle out of the car.
Using the soft roll tubing and forming your own lines does allow the job to be done without removing the front suspension crossmember.
I should add that dropping the front crossmember on an 88 is a lot easier than on earlier models, although the engine cooling tubes do need to come off...
Good luck!
Dennis LaGrua MAY 18, 10:07 AM
Never replaced the trans lines but you can buy aluminum tubing from Summit that is easy to work with. Should hold trans cooler line pressures that are only about 20 psi. If you are concerned about aluminum vs steel; nearly all aftermarket trans coolers are made of aluminum tubing.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
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