Has anyone used aluminum for transmission cooling lines?

 

I wouldn't, just because they can work harden and crack with vibration. I have made them from 5/16" copper tubing, super easy to bend by hand and double flaring is a piece of cake. No rust either

 

I made mine out of 3/8 fuel line and flex hose.

 

That looks great, but fuel line is not rated for oil use, so I would double check what you have there. Oil will break down fuel line from the inside and when it fails oil will go everywhere. Unfortunately I learned that from experience long before the internet
Now I make sure I use high pressure hose rated for oil use.

 

Dave
I agree. The metal trans cooler lines are 3/8 fuel lines. The flex lines are oil related (engine-trans-powersteering).
I used special high pressure hose for the p/s pressure hose and oil compatible hose for the p/steering return and trans cooler lines.

Working well so far.

Thanks

Dan

 

Dave
I can't remember the name of the hose, but I remember that it was expensive and made for the intended use.

Thanks for keeping me on my toes.
Dan

 

LOL you know what you are doing , I just get all nervous when someone mentions fuel lines for a transmission cooler. Yes it is expensive but a necessary expense.

 

The hard lines are steel so I am not worried and I went to great expense to find hose that is compatible with transmission fluid and powersteering fluid. So, I have no worries.

But thanks for the reminder as it would be easy to purchase the wrong type of hose for the job. Better to use the right stuff the first time than have to do it over again months later.

Just like the Moog tie rod ends purchased from Rock Auto and installed on the Jag ifs two years ago. The dust boots have rotted while sitting in the garage. Never made it to the road.

Now I have to replace the boots.

 

Well that stinks, moog used to be top shelf stuff. All my rock auto stuff has been fine, no issues, but I know I did not get moog parts. I would switch to aftermarket silicone boots. I have rebuilt 3 jag ifs units with their parts so far and another one will be soon.

 

I couldn't believe that they rotted.

Energy suspension boots will be on order soon.

Moog used to be top of the line for front suspension parts.

Oh well, live and learn

 

I still trust Moog parts. Not many other quality choices out there. A couple years ago I bought a couple Raybestos branded inner tie rod ends for my Lincoln. A few months after installing one of them separated from the rack end, while crossing a railroad track about 50 feet from a red light (read: driving slowly.) After towing it to the shop I found that the threads in the ends were to blame. Replaced with Moog ends and barked at myself for not having bought them in the first place. No problems since (taunting fate now so who knows how long they'll last.)

With so many parts manufacturers being bought up and consolidated since the inception of NAFTA, plus the expansion of Autozone, O'Reilly's, et al (a.k.a. "Third Time's a Charm Auto Parts" - 1st one is wrong, 2nd is already broken in the box and 3rd just might make it around the block), it's really difficult to rely on any suppliers these days. I've pretty much assumed the position of if something isn't available at the OEM level I head for NAPA.

 

MOOG has two lines of parts, one is cheap crap to compete on price, the other is their premium line. They also have a "Problem Solver" line in some applications, better design/materials where OEM is not adequate.