bvtran

iTrader: (3)

Anyone knows if there is a good writeup on how to install an aftermarket tranny cooler? What additional parts do I need and where can I get them? Are there a good cooler that that's better the stock one on a VG with automatic tranny? Would installing an aftermarket cooler makes any differences?

Also, what's the OE part number for the seals that joint the axles to tranny?

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

I am only replying b/c I noticed nobody can or wants to answer your question.

Yes, a tranny cooler will make a HUGE difference in the lifespan of your tranny. 9 out of 10 tranny failures are due to heat. Heat breaks down fluid first, then it will break down tranny components VERY fast after the fluid has broken down.

So a tranny cooler is the FIRST thing I think anybody should do to their Maxima. Or any automatic car for that matter.

As for the axle seal part numbers, just call the dealership b/c nobody knows.

As for the best cooler, people like the Hayden tranny coolers. But I went to Carquest since they had a big assortment of coolers. After taking some measurements, I installed the biggest cooler I can find. But in the winter time, it won't allow the tranny to heat up on short trips. So, you might want to look for some with a little thermostat in them. But I dont' have that one. I just drive easy until my tranny is heated up somewhat.

As for the writeup, there isn't much to it. I think they come with directions in the box. Just install the tranny cooler after the coolant has left the radiator and is entering your transmission. So, to find the right lines, I cranked the car up VERY quickly and shut it down to see which line squirts fluid. There ya have it... you now know the direction of fluid flow. If you dont' know what I'm talking about, call a transmission shop in your town and ask them how much it would be to install a tranny cooler. They will point you in the right direction.

dkris42

okay i was considering this but does anyone know how to really do the "winter" time prep because here in ohio the winter gets pretty cold....so I don't want to to freeze my tranny.......so any insight would help.

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

An old trucker tactic is to tape a piece of cardboard to your tranny cooler so it stops the airflow from going through the fins. hehe It works!

The other way is to disconnect your cooler from the lines and reroute it back through the stock way.

The other way is to get that Tstat in a nice cooler. I believe it only flows through the cooler is the Tstat is open.

bvtran

iTrader: (3)

to Aaron92SE :

Thanks, buddy. I really appreciated your comments.

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

on the t-stat

Spazz

Does it make a diff which way u have the lines? Didn't think that it did. I just by passed the radiator cooler bit all together.
Don't a/t have an t-stat to stop the fuild any way if it gets to cold, just a Q no flame needed.

DanNY

iTrader: (14)

if you're going to bypass the stock cooler...then no it doesn't matter which is which.

if you're going to run in line with the stock cooler/warmer then you want it AFTER the stock cooler.

only t-stat is working with your coolant...that's it.

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

FYI, the factory one running through the radiator is not JUST a cooler. it's also a warmer for the cold weather. The tranny needs to be in a certain range of temps to work correctly- which just happens to be around the engine's proper operating temp as well. in the summer, tranny temps can get much higher than the coolant, thus the radiator acts as a cooler.

In the winter, the tranny doesn't get that hot, so the radiator acts like a warmer for the fluid.

I highly suggest completely bypassing the cooler for the winter, otherwise you'll end up killing your auto tranny like I did.

Knight4

Why replace the factory setup at all, if it serves both to cool in the summer and warm in the winter? As long as your radiator is working properly, doesn't this work?

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

some people are concerned about overheating their tranies.
Simple solution is Lubegard red.
But hey what do I know

DanNY

iTrader: (14)

for the "spirited" drivers the stock cooler is not big enough to keep the ATF happy.

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

I say for any driver, the stock cooler isn't enough. But if you keep your fluid in good condition and keep those temps below 180 degrees, then I dont' see why the stock tranny won't last to 200K miles.

But trannies fail b/c people forget to change the fluid. And they rag their car out in 85+ degree weather, which will warm your tranny above 200 degrees in just a matter of about 45 minutes of aggressive driving. Normal tranny fluid starts to break down at 180 degrees.

Matt, I've never bypassed my tranny cooler in the winter b/c i didn't see a need to. It never gets below 45 degrees in Vegas. So I just always allowed plenty of time for my tranny to warm up before I start driving it when it was winter. But if we are talking freezing temps, then yes you definitely need to bypass that cooler.

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

45 degrees isn't "winter" that's just "cool".

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

he|| that was the temp here last week!

-shock211-

iTrader: (1)

i know...what the he11 is this 45deg. winter stuff?
i'm living in the wrong city

Aaron92SE

iTrader: (128)

Wanna trade? I want those cold temps at the track so I can get 13s. I'm moving to FL, so the temps will be about the same in the winter time in FL as it is in Vegas. Just way more humid!

-shock211-

iTrader: (1)

well,
i'd rather live in florida than nevada. but i do like it here in the summer and fall. winter and spring suck though!
but we're all cold weather soldiers up here, i remember being out this past winter stripping down my friends parts car, helping another buddy rebuild his tranny, wiring up stereos, etc, etc....
what are you supposed to do when you love working on cars but it's freezing outside? ya just got to bundle up and work hard i guess.

one thing i'd really like to experience though is New Years Eve without a freakin' winter coat and boots.

rpcraft

I run my rebuilt slush box with hard all the time, and by hard I mean in excess of 100 MPH on I-35 in TX heading south and north. About 40,000 miles on this tranny with the stock engine and so far no problems. Before the tranny cooler I would drive with less enthusiasm and often times could smell the tranny cooking. I now have almost 190,000 miles on this car, with only regular maintenance and one transmission. The only problem I have right now is a minor oil leak from the front main seal and one of my cooling fans has a bad bearing. One of these days I will fix it but until then i just have a cardboard mat on my garage floor and I just remember not to sit and idle too long. For some pics of my car you can check at http://www.cardomain.com/id/rpcraft. Hope this helps answer the tranny cooler question.