Transmission Cooler Line Retainer Clip Removal & Why That Plastic Collar is Important

[@LeeshaKay1990]

Omg I have been fighting with these transmission lines for an entire day. Thank you so much for your video!!

[@BD_Clark]

FINALLY- a video on these clips that’s well lit and visible when you pop it off! Thank you for sharing this, very well done!

[@chipmeister111]

You've come a long way in a year from 700 subscribers to 80,000+, good for you and thanks for helping me understand these clips. Gonna change out the lines in my 02 Silverado 8.1.

[@lawnboy8401]

Oh yeah I have done many of those clips on my work fleet. I just use a little pick and cuss and swear until I get it.

[@HypeTv100]

what happenes if i dont put the plastic lock thing back will the line pop out ?

[@lawnboy8401]

As long as the metal clip is installed properly it is what holds the line on. The plastic disk just hides and protects it.

[@chadwickdavis1749]

Cussing is important! Nothing comes loose without a few choice words uttered!

[@dirtpooroverland5396]

Or it eventually pops loose and dumps trans fluid all over the road… ask me how I know…

[@youtubechangedmyname]

@@dirtpooroverland5396 happened to me yesterday ....F these clips what a pain in the a##

[@baims8367]

ZIP TIES are a genius invention. They will work for your clip -collar lock ..

[@bigg_texas44]

Until they get brittle and snap from heating and cooling

[@DAK59]

I just replaced my radiator. Getting them out wasn't bad. I used a pick. Getting them back in was a pain. I didn't use assembly lube. I just used a little ATF. No leaks.

[@dirtpooroverland5396]

It’s interesting you mention it. I actually just had the exact scenario you discussed on my 2003 Suburban. Trans cooler line popped off driving down the highway and dumped the trans fluid. When I looked, all the plastic covers on every line were just hanging on the lines. Not on the fittings. Going through today and putting the line back on that came off and fixing the covers. Thanks for the video. I’ll give it a go.

[@pmp2559]

First time doing this and I’m learning a lot of words. Thanks for the assembly goo advice

[@Dap8998]

I crawled under my 2500 Suburban today. The oil cooler lines on the 7.4 have the same type of clips holding them in.

[@antoinesaunders2543]

Learned that lesson today. Hopefully my trans is still working after I replace that plastic clip and a refill!

[@timowensby3611]

Have a 07 Grand Prix lower cooler line keeps popping out I believe the gentleman I hired to replace the lines and put it back in didn't reinstall clips

[@dirtpooroverland5396]

So did it start working again once you got fluid back in it?

[@alansmith2203]

Great video, Sir! I have the 2007 Duramax LMZ (i think). I have had 2 very sad experiences with my truck popping off the transmission lines. One occurred at the tranny and the 2nd time the cooler. To all of you guys who've experienced this very expensive and frustratingly poor design problem....do yourself a huge favor and convert over to a threaded union and connect to hydraulic hoses. There are companies that make kits to replace this notoriously bad design.

[@josephkratzer8535]

Working on a 2016 Chevy, this video helped a lot. Thanks!

[@paulwindisch1423]

At the dealer, we always used Transjel brand. The stuff I used was gold in color. Used it for lots of stuff. O-rings, injectors, trans lines, etc. The main thing I used it for was "gluing" check balls into valve bodies and "gluing" spacer plate gaskets to spacer plates. Even as a trans guy at a dealer, one tub would last me many years. As far as the release tools for the lines, I did end up with one that works well and I still have it to this day. I think it is Matco branded. It never gave me issues unless the trans line/fitting were extremely corroded, then I used your pick method.

[@johnarohde9444]

I was wondering how to get the lines off my Malibu maxx and you definitely solved my issue with how to get it off the old radiator 🙋‍♀️

[@MrJwarren100]

Thanks for the low down on the clips and the Goo. Just ordered a tub from Amazon.

[@ArnieAlmaraz]

Thank you.for make time to do these tips. Ik about to replace my radiator....

[@charlesdunn169]

Thank you I have a 2001 GMC Sierra am replacing the trans lines I spray WD-40 on the nuts thinking it would loosen them watching your video I see that there are clips to take off thank you so much for the easy removal

[@jwendt2003]

I replaced both lines on my 2013 Town and Country. Left the clips in when pressing/forcing the hoses in. Thought they were all clicked in, but blew out 2 hoses 2 different times. Finally took them all off and installed them the opposite way. I reset the hoses first, then the clips last (one by one). That way I can tell better that the clips were actually set behind the hose ends where they should be, instead of forcing them on with the clips on and hoping they 'clicked' in.

[@cansee2465]

A year ago trying to get 1000 and now at almost 60,000! Congrats!!

[@jameswhite1319]

Thank for sharing I got a North Star engine and the transmission line is leaking and just had the transmission fixed so I going to do this myself, thanks again! Houston Texas

[@sagittarius3363]

I guess when I'm done with my radiator, my fancy dental pick is going in the toolbox instead of back in the drawer in the bathroom lol

[@carpediem4413]

Just did this on a 2011 JL Wrangler to replace rusted/leaking lines with new ones. Couple things I learned: 1) Old rusted lines at press in fittings don’t allow a quick disconnect tool to work (had to use two picks). 2) To get clips out manually, had to soak clips/fittings in PB blaster and work them to loosen the clips. 3) Scraped out the fitting edges for a while around the line press fit to get rust out and PB blasted again. 4) used one pick to press between line & clip bump out to push it outward so I could hook clip from outside with other pick. Longhandled needle nose pliers are a must for grabbing clips, etc on this job. Here’s where it got even harder…😢 5) after clip removal Fittings at radiator were rusted in place and would NOT come out… Kept at them with PB blaster and grabbing metal line with Longnose pliers and cranking back and forth to eventually pull the lines free. Was tough and took at least 10 mins of wiggling forcefully while pressing outward on the line… PITA. I heard some people recommend cutting lines and using a deep so it to remove fitting body… my fitting body just spun near radiator as it seems like a compression fit at radiator tube… I didn’t want to mess it up so left it… spinning that fitting nut without cutting lines might help to break the rust free from the stuck line … but I just kept using the long handle needle nose and wiggling and pressing til it eventually popped out. Removing lines at trans much easier. 6) Had to do some slight bending of the new lines to get them in correct shape and fit so they didn’t rub on anything or each other and didn’t have odd angles or tension when fitting them into the clip fittings… you want the line end to push straight in and pop in all the way so the clips can be installed and hold get in front of the line end flanges so the lines wont pull out. Test pull these after you get the clips reinstalled. 7) Reinstalling clips was sorta a pain because you had to make sure the lines were fully seated so the clips got in front of the line flanges to hold them in… the clips have 3 bumps or spots the snap in to holes on the fitting clip channel. Hard to see but the center clip goes into the short hole (channel) and the end of clip slide into the longer channel hole openings. 8) Test pull on line and make sure clips are fully seated into fitting as evidence by clips being full down into the channel and not protruding (needle nose to make pure they are pressed down fully.. if not the line flange may not be all the way pressed in - must press in straight which might require a slight line bending). 10) once all closed in a pull tested, start engine and check for leaks. 11) no leaks push plastic cover back over clip fittings (might need to use a bent nose long handled needle nose pliers as I had to put tip on either side of plastic cover and give it a hammer bump to get covers to seat fully. 12) Install line plastic retaining guides so lines don’t rub on anything or each other, hit anything or press against any other parts. 13) replace the amount of fluid you caught in pan when you pulled lines.

[@katscan9114]

Dude. He should have showed the install too. That's my issue. Nonetheless. I'm halfway there.

[@ralfie8801]

I know it’s late, but after you get the lines sliding freely in and out of the fittings with plenty of slickum, put the clip in the fitting and then snap the line into the fitting. You’ll hear it click when it seats, then pull on the line to make sure it went all the way home.

[@phillipjarrett7862]

"It's not east getting to 1,000 subscribers" he says. One year later he's at 84k subscribers. Good work my friend.

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

I appreciate your kind words. Thank you for watching & keep wrenching 🔧

[@kc816_9]

Nice video well explained I'm dropping my first transmission and the only thing holding it in is the lines thank you glad I just found this video 👍

[@LizettMRqz]

Subscribed cuz no one else talked about the darn clips

[@jeffb243]

Getting ready to put a radiator in my 2004 Grand Prix GTP this weekend and was dreading messing with these damn transmission line clips! Getting them off isn’t too bad, but I was REALLY dreading putting them back on! Nice tip about the Assemblee Goo!!! Not dreading it as much now!!

[@mikea1973]

They are called 'jiffy tight' fittings..in my opinion the correct tool works great just lube with blaster on the fitting first..install the correct size release tool and twist 1/4 turn and pull line out..lube with grease to install..makes a good seal for the o ring in female fitting..

[@michaeltreglera6704]

I actually used a small hose clamp works good

[@vicpetrishak7705]

The transmission retaining clips may also be secured with a nylon zip tie .

[@lancewinders707]

Thanks bud. You just relieved a big headache for me.

[@manuelelliott1479]

Thanks for your video. I have a chevy truck with leaking O.ring. Video was helpful

[@sandyblue4235]

This was very informative. We were putting a clip back on and it's not easy. Somehow the clip came off and lost transmission fluid.

[@walkersclassics7668]

Excellent video! Thank you from Ireland

[@kendocashwell4537]

Once again, words of wisdom shared. As far as "tool" evaluations, don't hold back Sir ! Tell us what you think.

[@migo831]

Thank God for youtube. Lol. I was wondering how get to the clip itself was about take off the line from transmission. Great video saved me. Now I can drop it and get it rebuilt. Lol👍👍😎😎

[@24roughing76]

You are well past 1k now 😂 I'm getting ready to replace the remote oil lines on my 97 4.3L this week. Thanks for the advice on the clips.

[@darksidestudios424]

We are working on our Chevy Silverado 1500 mess up radiator putting a new Radiator in working on the cooling line and transmission line with the cramps you were talking about I am having some issues putting those clamps on line

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

I'm guessing you got them on. If not, try posting your detailed issue on one of my Facebook pages, Wrenching with Kenny or Backyard Mechanics (answer all the questions for ByM). There are people on those pages all the time that will help. Thanks for watching!

[@zemoney954]

❤Great Info and demonstrations! Thanks

[@joshuaatkins5197]

This is a pretty good explanation. I'm not having any problems getting the clips out. It's getting those lines to reseal after putting them back in. I may look for a barbed fitting that will go into the radiator and just run a rubber line

[@alfredovargas5198]

Any tips?!?!

[@joshuaatkins5197]

​​@@alfredovargas5198I ended up getting it it just took quite a bit of fiddling. I highly recommend holding on to they clips carefully because as I went to put one on it went flying but thank goodness I had an old one

[@von_rva9907]

Definitely subscribed .. finally crossed this video... No I know why my 02 Denali lines are so loose at radiator..most likely no clamps from previous owner 😐

[@robpaul7900]

Assembly goo is mainly used for transmission rebuilds you can use it for seals too but usually I use trans fluid for all o rings gas oil any o rings trans fluid is good for all that. One I like more for o rings from assembly goo lubegard treatment comes with a brush and is much thinner and runny looks like clear color that green is one of the thicker ones blue is thinner too.

[@44hawk28]

Transmission assembly lube and Dielectric grease actually works quite well for putting those things together. The Super Lube is an example that works really good. Had just enough to touch on your finger and wipe on a piece of metal, you would not believe how much Slicker that metal becomes. I have used it for Sears on firearms. And a slightly better version of it that lasts a bit longer, is the CRC black brake Lube. I've got a jar of that I bought in 2007 or so. I still haven't used it all. I literally use it sometimes on the tip of a toothpick.

[@brandonstallard22]

You can also snap the line back in with the clip in place, it's designed for that

[@katscan9114]

Missed opportunity. Video of clip install. Yeah i heard what to do but orientation etc would help too. Nonetheless good video.

[@valiant7357]

Damn bro now you have almost 28k subs And now 1 more. Great job

[@nickvevang4613]

Rock on dude you're now over 60k subscribers lol

[@sagittarius3363]

Fantastic tutorial, thank you so much!

[@clrd4tkoff]

Great Video!! Thanks for the information!! 👍🏻 👍🏻

[@scratch187]

Nice to see you exceeded the 1000 aubscribers!

[@larrybrower5541]

I always used Vaseline for autotrans assembly

[@davidgrubb7287]

Great information!

[@ricenglebretson2942]

Wish I would have watched this before I tries to replace the entire nut on my external cooler. Missing clip blew off the line. Put a wrench on the nut with very little effort peeled the cooler right open. 150 dollars later for a new cooler I decide to watch for some kind of tip. 25 years fixing euro cars didn't learn me nothing about these GMs. Thanks

[@shardeaorr9137]

My papa always said if it's there it's there for a reason girl....🤦🏿‍♀️😂🤦🏿‍♀️😂🤦🏿‍♀️

[@DependableAutoTruck]

i just use the removal tool i have for those slip in turn 1/4 turn pull line out and when replacing just push like back on and reinstall cover never loose clip or stretch clip from using pick

[@waynecowan5647]

Wow…thank you so much for your upload! I’m missing one of these clips and believe me when I say, this little piece of metal has been the scourge of my existence recently. The auto parts store in the town closest to me didn’t have any idea what I was talking about when I called to inquire about this. I have a question…being that I need to drive to get one of these…if I was to get a piece of thin tie wire and tightened it around where the clip goes with a hose clamp over it to hold it in place, do you feel that would be sufficient enough to allow me to drive about 42 kms to get one? Thanks again for the upload.

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

Probably, just make sure the line is fully secure. You gotta do what you gotta do. Keep wrenching 🔧 Kenny

[@maliamaxcy7065]

Hey Kenny. You Are dead on on the trans assembly lube, I've used Vaseline for many years and it's pretty good, but the assembly lube works so much better it doesn't make sense to use .And as you pointed out one tub will last roughly 2.3 lifetimes unless your shop is as messy as mine and you have to go buy another tub. that's the only way your original will turn up, generally, the second you get back from the parts store. I now have 4.6 lifetimes worth.Keep on wrenching.

[@backnine]

Plastic cable ties work great.

[@FUMan661]

I just broke one of those collars/clips on my Hummer. 🤬 I was told to pry it off, I wish I knew all I had to do was rotate it. Can't find a new one online anywhere. So you say a small hose clamp will work? This is frustrating! Thanks for the video!

[@jayozzman2909]

How do you get the little clip back on???

[@makfive343]

I had hart time to remove those clips, as on my Cadillac there is very poor access to them, so I decided to unscrew nuts from radiator instead. Bottom nut came out easy but while unscrewing top one something broke inside radiator breaching barrier between engine coolant section and transmission oil section causing coolant to leak out through open bottom transmission line. Had to replace whole radiator. That should never had happen. My guess is that radiator was 10 years old and very "weak".

[@james10739]

I have always pulled the clip but I saw someone using a tool like for fuel likes or something and I had no idea but it seemed a lot easier

[@CruisinComPTon]

I had a zip tie substituting for a collar for years. Got rid of the car with it still on there

[@HypeTv100]

what happenes if i dont put the plastic piece back on ?

[@tonywestvirginia]

Think about it. The plastic collar is to keep the dirt and grime out. The clip if installed properly will not come off.

[@brandonstallard22]

I used a metal hose clamp and it came back off and dumped 5 more quarts lol I used a plastic zip tie and she held for a 2hr drive back home. Where do we get the oem plastic clips? They look like those plastic things under a coke cap

[@metaswipe9107]

Happened to me today I put the hose clamp on there after installing the radiator got on the highway and the lion came out fixed everything now

[@kluno1966]

Thanks, great advice! It helped a lot!

[@budthechud3408]

The black covers for the quick connect,are they critical? I have one that is loose

[@garyesada5766]

I have a chevy hhr. Does the trans fluid need to be drained to replace the cooler lines.

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

@garyesada5766 No. You will lose some fluid though. Check the fluid for sure when you're done the repair & adjust accordingly. Keep wrenching 🔧

[@ralfie8801]

I’ve had the best luck getting those clips loose with a plain old flat head pocket screwdriver.

[@ranger178]

so why not use silicone grease to assemble stuff?

[@thomask4836]

Hey, Thanks Again! Funny story, when I picked up that 2013 Explorer 300 miles away, my Saturn cooling system failed en-route. I have my 2008 Saturn Vue in the garage now for what I think is going to be a radiator (hopefully not just a hose). No rush, but the last time I did radiator coolant lines, there were no clips. I appreciate you doing this video Kenny! I did notice the retainers moved them back. Thanks so much for your useful information on the clips!. Once I get all of my tools in the new tool cabinet and cart (they're getting a good cleaning before they go in), I'm going to yank the condenser and the radiator's next. Any advice on how to deal with lost trans fluid? This car doesn't have a tranny dipstick. Take Care, Tom

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

I did a video a few months back on a Saturn Ion being low on fluid. It should be the same for the Vue if I'm not mistaken . The video can't be from more than 4 months ago . Let me know if you can't find it

[@victorgalarza9296]

Thank you. I really appreciate it for you help

[@rockzhard2009]

Kenny, would it be possible to request a short video? on the Silverado there, since it is tore down to it's current point, could you make a quick video showing the heater core replacement? basically just pulling the heater core out. if so, thanks, if not no biggie.

[@raincloud54]

The oring sticks to the pipe. Busted my knucks more than once

[@zayg1k]

How do you get the clip on !!

[@billbaker4627]

Honest discussion

[@crystaf3022]

How do I put it back in I freaking accidentally took it out and I can’t get it back in

[@jasongilliland9508]

Hey thanks for your videos. What about replacing the clips? My truck is really clean, a stone bounced up and cracked my lower transmission cooler line. I got the clips off no problem, but after replacing the lower line I'm having a hard time with the clips. I want to leave the fittings in the radiator and transmission. I thought it would be easier to replace the clips and leave the fittings. Any advice you can give would be great. I'm a new subscriber.

[@tylivinlife2238]

Mine oil cooler line is currently leaking pretty good (the top 1) and the black clip is not even attached its slide down line. Is it possible thats why its leaking?

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

It's possible if the line is leaking where it meets the radiator

[@tylivinlife2238]

@@WrenchingWithKenny its definitely leaking there rub your fingers on it and get oil and you can see where its been dripping when driving or parked

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

@ty livinlife , my only concern would be a possible knick or distortion of the line where it goes in the radiator. It is uncommon to have a leak there , but not unheard of . You can get a replacement fitting for the radiator, you just need to be careful as the fitting seals the cooler to the tank , so possibly creating a coolant leak can happen. In all honesty, if the line itself looks good (no nicks or damage) , if it were mine , I'd probably replace the radiator

[@DiamondfaceBoda]

My top trans cooler line keeps popping off second time only awhile driving and seems when I got on the throttle it popped off my guess is the black clip is damaged? Idk how it keeps popping off it feels sturdy when I pull on in and such after installation any ideas please get back to me, or where I can buy a new black clip and possibly w clip

[@tylivinlife2238]

@@DiamondfaceBoda could be clip or in my case the inner rubber wore out

[@ronwade5646]

Here in Flagstaff those connectors get full of cinders and won't release!

[@Jtavera67]

Does those line require an o ring?

[@DaBoulAb]

So, I have a 2018 Chevy Malibu and I got in an accident and had to replace all three off my radiators and I’m having trouble with keeping the trans. cooler line in place, it’ll keep popping out. Any suggestions?

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

It's Mrs Wrenching. I'm glad you're OK. You need to use a ziptie or hose clamp to hold the lock clip in place. Kenny has a video about it... look for the S10 oil cooler line that kept popping off. I don't remember the name of the video though. He published it within the last 6 months. If you can't find it go onto our Facebook page wrenchingwithKenny & ask on there. You will get a few suggestions. Stay well. Keep wrenching 🔧 Meg

[@epia125]

What size are those clips 3/8:

[@jacobguzman4311]

If I took the base bolt off instead of clip will it be ok when replacing radiator?

[@freshmaker5]

The assembly goo is for o rings in general or to put on the end of the trans cooler line? Doesn’t look like there is an o ring on the line?

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

The O-ring is inside the fitting that the clip is in . And yes, the goo is good thing for pretty much any o-ring . I've used it on injectors & fuel regulators , transmissions , power steering , cooling systems etc . Pretty much any mechanical system EXCEPT BRAKES where it could come in contact with the fluid .

[@freshmaker5]

@@WrenchingWithKenny thanks. I have a small tube of o-ring lube. Maybe I’ll try and put some of that on the trans line before I clip it in. Thanks

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

@@freshmaker5 it will help for sure ! Thanks for watching !

[@giovannidelarosa3408]

Thank you so much

[@GregsAutomotive]

Or you can buy a master quick release set, or the specific quick release tool. It bothers me that there are no vids on correct usage of the correct tool. Pick works, but really isnt correct. Guess ima figure how to use this myself

[@antonbende8210]

Good and nice to follow ! 👍

[@bubblusangha]

To those wondering how to install it, just slide the clip over it, nothing through it

[@markhuyette8509]

Snap On tool works good

[@thepiedish903]

Yea I got two things out of this video. Thank God I don't need those clamps because they went to the moon. Second it made me realize I forgot my hose clamps...

[@Fear203]

Kenny Help! The clips stick out past the connector and the collar will not go back on! Had two lines blow off now and not amount of force or cursing will get the collar seated.

[@coyoteserranoband]

Hell in a handbag...still got a leak from that fitting...

[@josepha6123]

Hello Kenny, are the plastic caps replaceable or built into the lines? And is the best option a hose clamp if mines not fully locking

[@nnfefe9451]

Many of the clip intactness has failed causing a burst of transmission fluids resulting in transmission failure. The old type of screwing in the lines together has zero failure rate.

[@zu1502]

1 year later at 70+k subs nice !

[@tombowen3640]

I assume it would be the same for a cooling line for a turbo?

[@WrenchingWithKenny]

Depending on application, bit if it's the same style, then yes

[@timeless6964]

What About the O-- Rings?>?

[@Ramrock325]

Thank youuuu!!!!