I have a leak on the drivers side of the radiator?

Tiny
SEAN_P_HOGAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,428 MILES
I have a leak on the drivers side of the radiator. It is leaking where the cooling line goes into the top of the radiator. I actually looks like the bolt like apparatace that holds the threads on is leaking behind that part. Please Help
Friday, July 25th, 2008 AT 7:02 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
If you have a leak on the driver's side of the radiator where the cooling line goes into the top of the radiator, it's likely related to the transmission cooler lines. In many vehicles, including the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban, the transmission cooler lines run through the radiator to help cool the transmission fluid.

The "bolt-like apparatus" you mentioned is likely the transmission cooler line fitting. This fitting is threaded into the radiator and sealed with an O-ring or a gasket. If the fitting is loose, damaged, or the O-ring/gasket is worn out, it can cause a leak.

Here's what you can do to address the issue:

Check for loose fittings: Make sure the transmission cooler line fitting is tightened properly. If it's loose, carefully tighten it without over-torquing, as the radiator's fittings can be sensitive to overtightening.

Inspect for damage: Examine the fitting and the surrounding area for any signs of damage, such as cracks or fractures in the radiator housing or the fitting itself.

Replace O-ring or gasket: If the leak persists, you may need to replace the O-ring or gasket that seals the transmission cooler line fitting. This will require draining the transmission fluid, removing the fitting, and replacing the seal.
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Friday, July 25th, 2008 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
SEAN_P_HOGAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
All I had to do was take the transmission cooler line off and re seal it.
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Saturday, July 26th, 2008 AT 7:50 AM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
I apoligize. I thought you were talking about the part that is inside the radiator. That part has a big nut that attaches it inside the radiator and will leak coolant externally and it looks like the nut can be tightened or resealed but it cant. I try to answer as accurately as possible with the information I am given. I assumed you were leaking coolant, not transmission fluid. My mistake. I should have asked you for a better explanation. We do try our best to give fast accurate answers and unfortunately something like this happens. Again I apoligize. Tim
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Saturday, July 26th, 2008 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
JLSSMOFFITT
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  • 1 POST
I currently have the same problem with my 99 suburban and was wondering how sean_p_hogan took "the transmission cooler line off and re seal it". Hopefully that will work for me. It would definitely beat buying a new radiator.
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Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 AT 6:58 PM

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