I recently found a leak from one of my ATF cooler lines, tonight I started the job of replacing them. As I was undoing the lower (trans) fittings, I realized that each line had been rotating with the retaining nut I had removed, to a point that each twisted until they broke at about the middle.

My question is, as I install the new lines are there any precautions I will need to take to avoid this twisting, or was the problem tonight due solely to 250K gunking the lines at these lower points?

Thanks in advance,
Brent

Hi Brent,

I had one go, causing quite a 'smoke show' behind. Thought it really was the end of the beast.

Some quick work with the sawzall and a few clamps and hose and it has been OK so far.

I should really replace both lines bewteen the Rad and the AT though. Did you find the parts cost reasonable? From Volvo?

Cheers,

Greg

Your experience sound to me like corrosion between the nut and the flared tubing caused them to be seizing each other. A new set of cooler lines was due anyway. Much better these fail in your driveway than on a trip. When replacing, I wouldn't expect the nut to stick to the tube, if you can keep the tube straight out of the nut. It wouldn't hurt at all to smear a bit of anti-seize lube on the outside of the tubing flare under the nut, but in practical use, you'll probably have more than enough lube of the red variety.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore