Estimate on transmission cooling line replacement

[Hookmaster]

A mechanic gave me an estimate of $320 to replace the 3 transmission cooling lines on a 2004 Silverado. He said one has started to leak at one of the fittings. Do you usually replace all 3? Is this a reasonable price?

[Jeremy airjer W]

There a real pain and the price seems a little low. The last set I did I ended up dropping the front diff and something else to get them in and out. There are three lines because you have the auxiliary cooler. There would just be two if you did not have the cooler.

[wally diver 2]

I had that done on my 04 Silverado. I think I paid a little over 400. 1 of the lines started leaking so I had them do all 3.

[Scott K]

How bad it the leak?

[Hookmaster]

A drip is just forming. I have not seen evidence of any leaking. He found it while looking at something else.

[Scott K]

They tend to stay at about that rate for a long time. I wouldn't feel pressured into getting it done anytime soon, unless of course you want to. A guy could wipe the area down every oil change, and not see a drip hit the ground for a few years yet.

[Eric Wettschreck]

If it's just a leaking fitting can a guy just tighten the fitting?

[Scott K]

They usually leak on a crimp, where rubber goes to metal.

[Hookmaster]

Is this something that could blow at anytime?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Typically they do not "blow" but they will continue to leak more and more over time.

[snapjigger]

Just Had My Return Line Replaced. It Is A Low Pressure Line But The Leak Was Fairly Bad. Buddy At Work Charged Me $30 To Replace. The Part Was $50. He Was A GM Service Tech For 13 Years.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

I haven't had a transmission leak or drip problem in years but if I did and the tranny seemed sound I'd do the lines because tranny's are not cheap to replace or rebuild.

[Rivernut]

I had two estimates on my 04 Silverado, one at a dealer and one by my regular mechanic. Both were right around 400.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

I got an idea. Take it too a couple of places and see what they charge.