Aftermarket ATF Install (Need Some Confirmation)

[sw20td06]

Hi Piloteers. Thanks for all the members that have provided useful feedback on this topic. I am still unsure if I installed my Autozone aftermarket ATF cooler correctly. I read the OEM install instructions and have read many threads, but I just want to make sure I have my hoses connected correctly. So here it goes, I hope someone can confirm I installed everything correctly.

In picture 1 you see the ATF cooler, keep in mind I haven't decided how I want to mount it to the stock PS cooler. But I plan to move it over to the right as to not block so much.

In picture 2 you see the return line coming from the transmission. This is what I had questions about. I used the method of starting the car and feeling which hose was the coolest. In doing this I felt this was the coldest line. It is the one closest to the driver side tire. So I removed this line and ran a new hose from this outlet to the top of my ATF cooler. Is this correct?

In picture 3 you see another view of what is shown in picture 2. I just want to confirm this is indeed the return line from the transmission. Again this went to the top of the ATF cooler.

In picture 4 you new hose coming from the radiator which goes to the bottom of the ATF cooler.

So according to the oem instructions I removed the return line in pictures one and three. I ran a new line from the top of the ATF cooler to this inlet. Since the OEM line was too short coming from the radiator, I installed a new line from the radiator to the bottom of the ATF cooler.

I hope this didn't confuse anyone too much and I hope someone can confirm I did all the connections correctly. Thank you!

[cofetym]

I'm waiting for my power steering cooler to come in before I install mine. Based on what I've been reading in the OEM cooler installation pdf, that's the way I'd install mine.

A lot of forum members have installed these aftermarket coolers and will chime in if we are wrong. Not sure if you plan on towing but if you are I'd suggest picking up a power steering cooler also.

[sw20td06]

Thanks. I just want to make sure that I pulled out the right ATF return line. The oem instructions don't really show the connection at the transmission.

[sw20td06]

Can anyone confirm that I hooked up everything ok? Thanks for any input.

[94eg!]

I reviewed the instructions and I can say for sure that you will be fine using either of the two hoses. Before you installed your new cooler, those two hoses simply fed the existing trans cooler that is built into the bottom of the radiator. One hose brought hot fluid to the radiator, and the other brought cool fluid back to the transmission. If you used the wrong line, you would just be moving the hot fluid to your new cooler BEFORE it goes to the original cooler inside the radiator. Not a big deal. You will still be cooling the fluid and will still be going where it needs to go.

[jezzy]

Tell you what, I installed my power steering cooler a few weeks ago myself.. what a PITA, it's really tough getting the new hydraulic lines installed. MAKE SURE you push that hose all the way to that lip! I noticed on picture 4 it's far from the lip, it can pop-off if not properly seated.

I managed to get a shop here to install my transmission cooler.. they did it without removing the bumper and in 30mins.. 50$.. saved me a TON PITA's! I tried tugging off the oem lines, forget it.. I put my bumper back on and brought it to a shop.

Just got back from towing my first trailer (old pop-up from the late 70's..) about 1200 or so pounds.. didn't feel a thing and the temps never moved.

[playstrings]

Looks fine !

Now get a filter from summit racing and you will be squeeky!!

Putting the filter into this loop is a huge benefit.

Enjoy

[sw20td06]

Thanks for the info guys. You help confirm I did do it right. I will push that hose to the bib, however it proved quite difficult when installing. I will try to push it further up.

On another note, I just got back from towing two jetskis with a 600 lb trailer. Temps were fine. Brakes were another story however. Descending down a mountain with 6 adults and a baby proved scary a bit. I was pulling over to let cars pass and it felt as if my brakes were going to give way. I was not riding the brakes the whole way down, and pads are ones that came with the car (still good), however I bought the car used so don't know what kind they are. Anyone experience this extreme brake fade. Was it because I as fully loaded? I would hate to tow anything heavier than I was towing that day. Anyway, before I tow again, I'm contemplating upgrading my rotors and/or pads. I don't like the feeling of not being able to stop..

[94eg!]

Were you driving in a lower gear to help maintain down-hill speed? Selecting the right gear & speed for the appropriate grade is essential...

Other than that, I cannot comment on brakes whilst towing...