Hello,
My mechanic told me that a leak I noticed was being caused by a leak in the transmission cooler line and that to fix this they needed to replace the radiator assembly and hose. They quoted the part costing $370 for the radiator and $40 for the hose, plus $290 in labour. I do not have the money for this, but I was doing some research and I'm thinking I could maybe fix it myself, but I have no idea what I'm doing. I live in Ontario, Canada.
What is the radiator assembly, is it just the radiator or where it attaches to the hose? And is the transmission cooler a different thing, or is it part of the radiator?
Also the break pads apparently need replacing too :whew:
Any advice would be appreciated...
Thank you!
The transmission cooler is built into the radiator.
See the brass transmission connections at the bottom of this one:
There are probably several videos on how to replace that particular radiator. As well as the tools needed.
You can replace both transmission cooler lines and radiator hoses as well (just to be sure!).
If you do it yourself, and are not experienced: buy all the parts ahead of time. Be sure they match what is there. Take photos of before so you know where to put everything back. Buy only Honda transmission fluid. And plan a whole day of fun.
Oh, and do not over tighten and wreck those brass fittings. There should be a video on that too.
Hmmn, … from questions you ask, I think this is not DIY project for you.
That said, … here is the entire complication: there are four (4) sections of rubber hoses between ATF cooler and the transmission, … plus there is ATF filter spliced in into one of the line, plus two(2) pieces of metal tubing. There are eight (8) spring loaded clamps that fasten all that to corresponding metal connections. I would carefully check those clamps for proper installation, first. Check if any connection is actually leaking. Look for cracks developing at the end of each hose. Most likely, if there is leak, it’s that’s where it is. If any part of all that needs replacing, … ATF from the transmission should be drained first, … than refilled properly after repairs. Are you up to such task?
Anyway, … as to the estimate the mechanic is giving you? It’s on par with reality, that is, if all those parts need to be replaced. But I question if that, indeed, is the case. It’s usually, just one of those pesky clamps is not installed properly, or rubber hose starts oozing. Most seldom it is, if transmission and cooling system was properly maintained throughout the life of the car, … even if car is ~12 years old.
Brakes? For brakes perhaps you can just search uTube for how to replace front pads on Hondas. Fits, Civics, … it’s all pretty well the same process. Search for that. Watch it couple of times. Can you handle this work? Dunno, … do you have all the required tools?
And so, … I leave this up to you. Both problems have to be addressed, pronto!
Best,
F.S.
