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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace an oil cooler hose?
Where can I get my oil cooler hose replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my oil cooler hose?
What happens if I don’t replace my oil cooler hose?
What is an oil cooler hose?
Can I replace my oil cooler hose myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace an oil cooler hose?

You can expect an average total replacement cost of $169 for an oil cooler hose replacement, with $51 for parts and $118 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace an oil cooler hose? In general, it takes around 1.0 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.

Here’s an overview of oil cooler hose average costs for different vehicles:

Oil cooler hose replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 22, 2024	Edna, 25 Springfield, VA	Lincoln Mark	$155	$36	$119	1.0 Hours
April 22, 2024	Blanche, 25 Westfield, MA	Volvo S60	$147	$36	$111	1.0 Hours
April 19, 2024	Addie, 30 Indianapolis, IN	Toyota Highlander	$152	$36	$115	1.0 Hours
April 12, 2024	Christina, 43 Virginia Beach, VA	Subaru WRX	$164	$36	$127	1.0 Hours
April 11, 2024	Estella, 45 West Palm Beach, FL	Mitsubishi Raider	$151	$36	$115	1.0 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my oil cooler hose replacement and how much do those parts cost?

Unlike other vehicle components, the oil cooler hose is a single part. When it breaks or becomes damaged, it’s often the only part that needs to be replaced.

Replacing an oil cooler hose is simple and affordable, with the part typically costing from $29.27 to $35.78.

If a bad oil cooler hose has been left unchecked for some time, it can cause damage to other parts of the car, which can be costly and time-consuming to fix. If there’s a problem with your cooler hose, have it looked at and replaced as soon as possible.

You can purchase oil cooler hose parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three brands we recommend for oil cooler hose parts are Gates, Dayco, and ACDelco. However, the best parts and brands for your oil cooler hose replacement will vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

When it comes to replacing your oil cooler hose, aftermarket hoses will suffice. Most aftermarket products are produced to the same specs as the original parts using high-quality materials, so they’ll do the same job at a lower price.

However, ensure that the new lines are built to your vehicle’s OEM standards. While aftermarket parts can be used, OEM parts are guaranteed to fit and work properly. Before buying a new hose, check the part number on your current hose and reorder the same type, as they vary by vehicle model year, make, and engine size.

Where can I buy parts for my oil cooler hose replacement?

You can find oil cooler hoses on online automotive parts shops like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts. They’re also widely available on Amazon, and you’ll get them quickly! Check your owner’s manual for the specs before buying hoses.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my oil cooler hose replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can make the search for a mechanic to replace your oil cooler hose a lot easier.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.

Here’s a look at some of our vetted shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

111 Reviews

Goodyear Auto Service - Mattydale

2801 Brewerton Rd, Mattydale, NY

Oil Cooler Hose Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$148

(Parts - $33, Labor - $115)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$125

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (315) 455-2426

109 Reviews

Bay Brothers Automotive

3712 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL

Oil Cooler Hose Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$143

(Parts - $33, Labor - $110)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$95

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (813) 491-7439

174 Reviews

Yoo's Auto Service & Collision

189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Oil Cooler Hose Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$118

(Parts - $33, Labor - $85)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (215) 457-7777

168 Reviews

RepairSmith - Sacramento

Oil Cooler Hose Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$158

(Parts - $33, Labor - $125)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my oil cooler hose?

To replace your oil cooler hose, your mechanic will usually complete the following steps:

Detach the hose and drain any excess oil into an oil pan

Confirm that the new and old cooler hose are the same size

Install the new oil cooler hose, starting on the radiator side and then moving to the engine side

Check for new leaks to ensure the new hose is in working condition

Further action may be needed if there is existing damage to the engine or transmission.

What happens if I don’t replace my oil cooler hose?

If you do not replace a broken oil cooler hose, your car’s oil will leak out, and with no lubrication, your engine is at risk of overheating due to friction. If your engine overheats, all of its essential components could be damaged.

While replacing an oil cooler hose is simple, fixing an engine is not. If your engine is

damaged

, repair costs will be significantly higher, so don’t delay fixing your broken oil cooler hose.

What is an oil cooler hose?

Your car’s oil cooler hose circulates oil between the radiator, engine, and transmission, helping to prevent the oil from overheating. The oil cools down at the radiator to continue lubricating your engine, allowing all engine parts to move smoothly without causing friction.

Overheated oil can cause damage to your engine or transmission, so you’ll need to have a mechanic replace your broken oil cooler hose immediately.

When you go to have your oil changed, you can expect your mechanic to take a look at your oil cooler hose. If they see any signs of leakage or physical damage to the hose, they’ll let you know it’s time to replace it.

How do I know if my oil cooler hose is bad?

If your oil cooler hose is bad, there are a few common symptoms to keep an eye out for:

Visible physical damage to the coolant hose: It’s occasionally a good idea to inspect under your hood, including your transmission cooler hose. If there are any signs of physical damage to the hose, have it replaced as soon as possible to prevent leakage.

Leaking oil around the cooling lines: If your transmission cooler line or oil cooler hose is damaged or corroding, you may notice oil leaking around the fittings of the hose. Most oil hoses have “O” rings and gaskets that seal the compression end of the hose, and if these gaskets are damaged, the oil can leak out.

Transmission overheating: When the oil cooler hose can’t do its job, it may cause the transmission to overheat. This may be due to low fluid levels from leaking or obstruction to the tube that prevents flow. An overheating transmission can stop working altogether and may cause permanent

engine damage

. If your transmission overheats, it typically sets off the

check engine light

Deterioration in the rubber portion of the hose: If the rubber portion of the oil cooler hose starts to deteriorate, you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible. Worn rubber hoses will eventually begin to leak, leading to more serious issues.

If you have a burning smell coming from your car when driving, it could also indicate a bad oil cooler hose. When oil seeps from a damaged or loose hose, the fluid travels to the car's underside, contacting hot components and burning, thus emitting a burning smell.

Keeping up with regular car maintenance is the easiest way to avoid damage to your cooling system and, subsequently, damage to your vehicle. When you take your car in for an oil change and filter replacement, have the mechanic check the transmission oil cooler lines and hoses.

How often should an oil cooler hose be replaced?

The lifespan of an oil cooler hose is often relatively short because it’s directly in contact with hot oil. Because it constantly heats up and cools down, the hose can harden and crack, leading to oil leaks.

Although designed to last as long as your car’s engine, the hose will eventually start to wear down with exposure to heat. There’s no set interval for how often your oil cooler hose needs replacing—it depends on your vehicle and how often you drive.

Can I replace my oil cooler hose myself?

If you’re car-savvy and looking for a new DIY project, changing the oil cooler hoses is a relatively simple process that requires just a few tools and a short amount of time. But if you’re not comfortable performing the procedure, leave the oil cooler hose replacement to a professional.

Alternatively, depending on the age of your car, parts of the transmission cooling system may be covered under your warranty. Contact your local dealership to ask if you qualify to keep your oil cooler line replacement costs minimal!

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FAQs

What kind of hose do you use for an oil cooler?

Oil cooler hoses are generally made from rubber or silicone and are available in various sizes and shapes to fit your vehicle’s engine configurations.

How can I tell if my oil cooler hose is leaking?

If your oil cooler hose is damaged and leaking, oil could be forced out of the engine. You’ll want to watch for leakage around the engine oil cooler lines from a damaged gasket. Any signs of physical damage to the hose itself may also indicate a leak—or one in the near future.

Can a bad oil cooler hose damage the engine?

If the oil cooler hose is damaged, it won’t be able to cool the oil properly, causing the engine to overheat. An overheated transmission can cause many problems, including decreased vehicle performance, increased engine wear and tear, and, in extreme cases, total engine failure.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.