so i was at the stealership today having my car looked at and they told me that there are 2 tubes that connect the radiator to the tranny. they are starting to leak and are definately going to need to be replaced asap. they are 117$ and the labor to install them is another 130$. this seems a bit rediculous to me. i dont know if this is something i can do myself but it seems like a lot of money to install a couple tubes. anyone have any idea if im getting played or what?

 

You're always getting played if you're having your car worked on at the dealership. I'm sure that price is their standard price for such a replacement, but that's because dealerships make their money off of people who can't do stuff themselves. Replace them yourself man.

 

i hate going to the dealership but id rather have it done right...i dont know that much...

 

Did they show you which ones they were? If not check which ones they are and see if they are something you can handle then research alittle. Thats what I do now. I havent taken this maxima to the dealership yet to replace anything. Ive pretty much researched and done it myself. I even replaced the dang alternator and that was a pita. On my old maxima I took it to the dealership if I was uncomfortable about doing it. Sometimes it looks hard until you atleast try it and youll be surprised.

 

i litterally have 0 experience under a car...but i guess i know of 1 way to learn...

 

I started by doing my own tune-ups with a Hayne's, now there's nothing on my car I haven't touched. When it came time to work on engine internals the fsm and advice from orgers was all I needed. Change them urself, it's only draining the fluid and removing 4 clamps. Download the FSM<--it's the bible (or science book for others). My only concern is that you be very conscious of safety regarding tools, jack and stands. Good luck

 

You wouldn't even need to drain the fluid.
The hardest part of the job would be removing the splash shields to get at the hoses.
I would recommend just installing an after market trans cooler.

 

I noticed my tranny cooler hoses had a slight leak about 7 years ago and
simply tightened the clamps - hasn't leaked since. Recently , when I put
in a new radiator and was changing the main hoses- I was going to replace
the cooler hoses ... until I got a quote from the dealer of $114.00 for the cooler hoses --
screw that! The originals will stay on till the car dies( or they sprout a REAL leak)
Amusing that the radiator was in stock at Advance at a reasonable price ,
the radiator hoses were in stock at Autozone at a reasonable price ,but the tranny lines (like everything else at the dealer ) would have to be ordered .

 

the cooler lines from autzone for about 3-4 ft wont cost more than 5 bucks, DIY or get raped

 

The dealer price is outrageous. Just get some transmission hose and 4 clamps. Very easy job. If the new hose rubs the frame, split some heater hose to protect the transmission hose. When I installed transmission cooler, I used hose with ID 11/32". Note: Check for leak and tighten the clamps as needed. Maxima fittings are on the small side.

 

Fanaticrockford is correct, I didn't clarify....drain the radiator's fluid not the transaxle.

 

You could pay a shop for that...and still go to Outback for dinner...