1998 Transmission leak - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

joekool84 · 08-19-2012, 14:28

Hi All,

I have read all about different leaks form the transmission here and I have a specific question. I have identified the source of the leak and now I need to figure out replacing the part. The problem is that I cannot identify the part and I am hoping someone here can help me.

The leak is coming from the hose by the driver side front bumper. It seems like a clamp has helped to rust through the pipe and caused a leak.

Anyone have tips on replacing/identifying this line? Is there an easier route vs replacing?

**CatSkinner** · 08-19-2012, 16:09

Looks like the transmission cooler. If it's just the fitting, that can be replaced, if its' the actual cooler, that, too, can be replaced by an after market.

joekool84 · 08-19-2012, 18:04

OK. Where can I find that piece? I have searched at every auto parts store to no avail.

Is there a way to seal up the hole?

Thanks!

**CatSkinner** · 08-20-2012, 17:31

Well, I'm not sure which piece you need. If you can get a better picture of where the leak is, I might be able to help you. The cooler is an integral part of the radiator, If it's the connector, you can get it at most automotive stores (DORMAN Part # 800601), if it's the tubing, depending on how much flex you have and the condition of the tubing, yo might be able to cut it back a little with a set of tubing cutters and re-attach it. Otherwise you might have to replace the tubing.

joekool84 · 08-20-2012, 18:25

I tried to show where the leak is in this picture. It is right behind the bumper in this line that I drew in red. A clamp holds the lines in place at that point and I think it rusted through.

It looks like I can disconnect the line from behind the radiator and maybe put a high pressure hose or clamp on the line. I don't know how well that would work....

Thanks for any help you can give me.

**CatSkinner** · 08-21-2012, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by joekool84

I tried to show where the leak is in this picture. It is right behind the bumper in this line that I drew in red. A clamp holds the lines in place at that point and I think it rusted through.

It looks like I can disconnect the line from behind the radiator and maybe put a high pressure hose or clamp on the line. I don't know how well that would work....

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Key words there, it's behind the bumper. There's 2 lines that feed back to the transmission, the guzzin and the guzzout. The lines are attached via either an inverted flare fitting, or a form of compression fitting. The lines maybe hard piped all the way back to the transmission or they may be flex hoses with metal pipe crimped on to the ends. I don't recommend using a hose clamp, if you have corrosion, it can contaminate the transmission and further leaks will develop. If the cooler lines are flex hose with crimped ends, I recommend that you check out a Ford dealership if a regular vender doesn't carry the OEM line. If they are hard piped, you can bend new lines carefully so as not to kink them either in part or the entire line.

joekool84 · 08-21-2012, 19:57

Thanks!

They are definitely hard piped that connect to a flew hose once the hard pipe gets behind the radiator.

I will have top check a dealership as I could not find this part anywhere!

How would I be able to bend new lines? Don't I need the special 'pipe' that is visible in the picture?

**CatSkinner** · 08-22-2012, 02:21

Please trace your lines out again. I think what you're looking at is the power steering cooler. The transmission cooler is physically built into the radiator.

joekool84 · 08-22-2012, 17:09

I found the part!!

It is the trans cooler as was said earlier. Now...is it worth $140..... to keep the car going? or do I just sell it for scrap and get a new car....

Thanks All!

**CatSkinner** · 08-22-2012, 17:35

It could be an aftermarket transmission cooler.