Anyone use rubber trans cooler lines?

[joesregalproject]

The transmission cooler lines on a couple of my vehicles are starting to look pretty rusty, and I figured I be buying steel line, bending and fitting them and then flaring. I never considered using rubber as I've always thought that was a 'hack' fix, but a mechanically inclined friend at work said he's fixed several of them with the ATF specific hose and hasn't had an issue yet. I know they are low pressure lines <20 psi, but I'm still weary. Can anyone legitimize his claim? Ant testimonies from people who have used it?

 

[565bbchevy]

I use braided lines for my trans and cooler and pretty much everything else but I personally would not use a rubber line since they have no abrasion resistance and you have to secure them on a barbed or flared fitting with a hose clamp.
I would just buy steel lines and replace then but for an emergency or temporary fix I would have no issue using a rubber hose.for that.

 

[online170]

... as I've always thought that was a 'hack' fix, ...

I agree 100%. I dont wish to legitamize it.

That being said, I've done it in a pinch to get me out of a jam, and only very small runs between hardline, and replaced it when i was able to with hardline. The only exception is when i've added a trans cooler. In that scenario, i've always used rubber line from the existing hardline to the cooler, and its lasted years. The same is NOT true for running all the way back to the trans, where the line sees abrasion, vibration, and heat along the way.

 

[Ribbedroof]

FWIW, many new cars use rubber from trans to radiator, especially "imports". Seem to work fine when secured as intended.

Don't think I'd run 3 feet of it, though. Logistics on securing it could be problematic.

 

[crotchss]

I have seen guys use a rubber coated hydraulic line on some derby cars that they re-use for years, of course this has alot of reinforcement braiding inside the line. Using a steel braided line like 565bbchevy said probably wouldn't cost any more and would have alot better abrasion resistance. Also you can buy prebent lines fairly cheaply through many vendors, mild steel or stainless

 

[81cutlass]

I ran fuel line as a temporary use for getting the car running. Left them about a year or so and they did get soft over time didnt ever leak but not something I would do for long term use.

Now I have steel line about 6" away from the trans cooler and trans with jumper connections made of low pressure hydraulic return hose. Probably 4 years old and still as firm/soft as it was new. Low pressure hydro hose is for like under 200psi and is not steel reinforced, just standard nonmetallic webbing. Easy to work with and available at any hyrdo supply store or mcmaster. Can cut with a standard knife but more temperature and pressure resistant than typical rubber hose.

I set it up that way since I hate braided AN line with an absolute passion. IMO braided line is hard to work with, expensive, and ugly.

If you can see in this picture the line is 3/8 brake available at any parts store that you bend yourself. Couple feet of hyro return line and barb fittings and your good to go.

 

[pontiacgp]

If your lines are just starting to look rusty why not clean them up and treat the lines to stop the rust.

if you do want to change the lines this tubing is easy to work with and will not rust or corrode. You can easily bend this line with your hands

http://store.fedhillusa.com/5168mmdirectory.aspx

 

[565bbchevy]

I set it up that way since I hate braided AN line with an absolute passion. IMO braided line is hard to work with, expensive, and ugly.

I think braided line and fittings have become far less expensive over the years and making lines just takes a little finesse and is definitely not hard to work with once you know how to properly set them up and honestly I have never once heard the term "ugly" when I open my hood at a car show.
You can see my trans lines mounted to the inner wheelwell.

 

[79 USA 1]

Classic Tube sells OE steel lines or SC (Stainless lines/steel fittings) CNC bent ready to install.
The web site lists OE at around $45.00 per set, Stainless around $79.00 per set.
www.classictube.com/
Just had the transmission lines in my 2004 F250 Super Duty duplicated in stainless (not a current catalog item) and they fit perfect.

 

[81cutlass]

I think braided line and fittings have become far less expensive over the years and making lines just takes a little finesse and is definitely not hard to work with once you know how to properly set them up and honestly I have never once heard the term "ugly" when I open my hood at a car show.
You can see my trans lines mounted to the inner wheelwell.

In your instance AN lines work and look good since there is polished stuff for it to match with. I just see a lot of pretty stock looking engines with chrome valvecovers and a filter lid with random blue and red AN lines outta nowhere that don't match anything. I think for the AN lines to work its an all or nothing scenario.