Has anybody replaced / repaired these lines before?

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by AceEngineer

If you do need to replace the hose assembly, take the existing assembly to a shop that does hydraulic work and they probably can replace just the hose part using the original fittings and new crimp rings. Will be a lot cheaper than the OEM part.

AceEngineer

Yes, that is my plan if possible. Just finished inspecting it and cleaning it. Actually, only #1 is leaking at the crimp point but not much.
These are high pressure lines and it might be difficult sourcing these in generic version.
I'll drive the car for few days and watch it to see the amount of leak.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

There is a transmission place in my town I bet can fabricate new ends.

I just recently refurbished the end of a pressure washer. I'm betting the connection is similar and uses a pair of o-rings it may be as simple as replacing them.

I've read that people use the ATF cooler lines for refilling the ATF on X5 since they aren't designed for refilling (permanent fill). That said my car is probably due for new ATF being at 160,000. At the least I'm going to pull a sample to check the quality of the fluid.


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I think the biggest issue will be sourcing hose in generic version because it has to be high pressure compatible, right diameter and ATF compatible.

[bcredliner]

I would never use proper spec hose that is not the OEM part because it will not be molded to proper shape. Based on OEM hose shape a 'generic' hose will very likely rub somewhere along the proper routing.

[Crowz]

They do like to rub thru. The one on my 323i sprung a leak in the metal line right before I did the auto to manual swap over. So it does happen even with the factory lines. I can just imagine what a non factory shaped would of done.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I would never use proper spec hose that is not the OEM part because it will not be molded to proper shape. Based on OEM hose shape a 'generic' hose will very likely rub somewhere along the proper routing.

True. The more I'm looking at it by time I find the hoses, call places, maybe finding one and hoping they did it right, I might be in close to what I'd pay for OEM. I'll wait a few days and see.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by Crowz

They do like to rub thru. The one on my 323i sprung a leak in the metal line right before I did the auto to manual swap over. So it does happen even with the factory lines. I can just imagine what a non factory shaped would of done.

Yup, I'm slowly loosing hope and thinking of OEM.

[cn90]

Originally Posted by bmw540san

...I there is possibility of replacing the rubber part only (the metal part is not leaking) by acquiring rubber hoses in correct diameter, pressure rating and ATF compatibility and using hydraulic hose shop to make new connectors...

Interesting you asked this question.

- My 2007 Honda Odyssey Trans cooler hoses are just standard hoses and clamps, Japanese simplistic approach to this problem. BMW complicates matter for nothing (this quick-connect, that quick-connect etc.).

- In my 1998 Volvo S70, I did EXACTLY what you asked: ATF hoses (local Autozone), cut the crimp, install new hoses, Oetiker clamps and I was done. Did that 5 years ago, zero issues. All it cost was $10. Here is the DIY for the Volvo:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/fo...hp?f=1&t=55794

- For your X5, as long as the plastic clip at the very end is good, then you are OK. This plastic clip (quick-connect) is what holds the hose to the Trans and the Cooler. The Volvo setup is more robust with metal clip.

Anyway, as I mentioned, check the plastic clips, if OK, go ahead with the rebuild. Pressure inside these ATF hoses are very very low, maybe around 5 psi or so.

Don't worry about the "rubbing" problem...just find a cushion material (larger radiator hose), cut it and wrap around it...zip tie it...etc.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by cn90

Interesting you asked this question.

- My 2007 Honda Odyssey Trans cooler hoses are just standard hoses and clamps, Japanese simplistic approach to this problem. BMW complicates matter for nothing (this quick-connect, that quick-connect etc.).

- In my 1998 Volvo S70, I did EXACTLY what you asked: ATF hoses (local Autozone), cut the crimp, install new hoses, Oetiker clamps and I was done. Did that 5 years ago, zero issues. All it cost was $10. Here is the DIY for the Volvo:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/fo...hp?f=1&t=55794

- For your X5, as long as the plastic clip at the very end is good, then you are OK. This plastic clip (quick-connect) is what holds the hose to the Trans and the Cooler. The Volvo setup is more robust with metal clip.

Anyway, as I mentioned, check the plastic clips, if OK, go ahead with the rebuild. Pressure inside these ATF hoses are very very low, maybe around 5 psi or so.

Don't worry about the "rubbing" problem...just find a cushion material (larger radiator hose), cut it and wrap around it...zip tie it...etc.

Thanks for the info but these seem to be high pressure hoses. I didn't take any pictures but these are not like your typical power steering hoses from and to reservoir. These have the ridged surface vs the shiny low pressure hoses.
They look exactly like high pressure hoses from pump to steering rack.
Anyway, I cleaned everything up and run the car and no leaks at the moment.
I'll keep an eye on it and go from there.