1997 Dodge Dakota Fluid Leak

HARBOW

MEMBER
1997 DODGE DAKOTA
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
89,000 MILES

Discovered a new Trans Fluid leak below and behind Radiator - where Aluminum lines connect to Rubber Hoses with High Compression fittings. These Aluminum lines (2) run from Transmission to Oil Cooler - which seems to be part of the Radiator?
I cannot find ANY information about these in the HAYNES repair manual for this vehicle.
Questions: Can these Compressions Fittings / Unions be Renewed or Replaced WITHOUT replacing the entire Aluminum Tubing / Rubber Hose Assemblies, OR is it necessary to replace the entire twin assembly all the way from the Transmission to the Radiator? Is this a "Dealer-Only" service item (special tools required) or a Transmission Shop job, or a Cunsumer / Handyman job? Does the Radiator have to be drained and removed? [Obvoiusly the Transmission needs to be drained.] How involved of a job is this going to be? So far, all I've done is remove the plastic bottom cover below the Radiator to investigate the source of the leak.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,741 POSTS

Hi HarBow. Welcome to the forum. Those lines have quick-connect fittings, similar to air hose couplers, where they attach to the radiator and the transmission. Some fittings have plastic collars that can be pressed in by pushing it into the fitting with the two jaws of a needle nose pliers as levers. Some fittings require a two-piece hinged tool to collapse the internal spring, then you just pull the hose off.

A radiator specialty shop and some auto parts stores can put new rubber hoses on the metal pipes but it will cost more than just popping new hoses on. They commonly do that for expensive air conditioning hoses. You might be able to cut the aluminum crimps off to remove the rubber hoses, then slide on new rubber hoses with hose clamps. Be sure to use hose rated for petroleum products. The cooler system rarely gets above 10 - 15 pounds of pressure.

The only way I ever replaced these hoses at the dealership was to slide on new complete assemblies. The dealer's parts department will have them but you might find replacements at an auto parts store or a transmission specialty shop.

Caradiodoc