splicing a transmission line

[sizemic1]

Ok..so I need a cut a section of my steel transmission line and replace it with a flexible piece of rubber hose. Should I A) Just slip the hose over the 2 ends of the hardline and use hose clamps, B) flare the ends of the hardline first, then procede to step A, or C) I've got a better idea...

[mechmike0034]

Don't use rubber hose to replace steel line.

Can you use a compression union to join the lines?

Give me more specifics about what you're doing, and I can come up with some suggestions...

[sizemic1]

OK, i've done some mods to my jeep and an aftermarket skidplate is resting up against this cooler line. I think the vibrations transmitted from the skid through the cooler line has caused a seal on the transmission end fitting to fail. I had a major leak lastnight. So what I would like to do is relocate the line. However, the transmission end fitting is some specialty item that you can't get at a parts store..so I was thinking of buying a new factory line w/fitting and then splicing in a piece of rubber transmission cooler line along the section that would be suceptible to vibrations. I also thought rubber would be good too, because it wouldn't transmit anything vibes between the 2 steel pieces.

My initial worry was the skid would wear a hole through the steel line so I wrapped a piece of hose around the line to protect it. (see below, top photo) But the part that failed is where the line connects at the tranny at the 90 degree bend to the right.


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j268/sizemic1/attt4a.jpg

[mechmike0034]

The line physically broke at the fitting?

The fitting should be an interference fit - no "seal" or o-ring.

If something's up against the line, bend, tweak, or re-route the line as best as possible so that nothing is pushing against it.

Transmission fluid degrades rubber line (the fluid has a high detergent content) plus you don't want hose/rubber line to be where an off-road obstacle can pierce or damage it.

Also, somebody's run into this before - you might try one of the Jeep forums to see if anyone has had a similar problem/solution.

[sizemic1]

The line physically broke at the fitting?

The fitting should be an interference fit - no "seal" or o-ring.

If something's up against the line, bend, tweak, or re-route the line as best as possible so that nothing is pushing against it.

Transmission fluid degrades rubber line (the fluid has a high detergent content) plus you don't want hose/rubber line to be where an off-road obstacle can pierce or damage it.

I'm not sure what broke. On a jeep forum, someone said that there's some sort of seal in conjunction with the fitting that has a tendency to fail. All I know is, it was dripping..and when I wiggled the line, it started flowing. Probably a couple quarts worth. It's at the dealer right now hopefully being fixed under warranty..but I have a feeling it's gonna happen again. I lucked out when I saw the leak the first time. I'm not sure if i'll be so lucky the next. With my luck, it'll be out of warranty by then and bleed out on the freeway.