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Oil Cooler Lines Replacement Cost Estimate
Oil Cooler Lines Replacement Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your oil cooler lines replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your oil cooler lines replacement.
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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 oil cooler lines?
- Where can I get my oil cooler lines replaced?
- How will a mechanic replace my oil cooler lines?
- What happens if I don’t replace my oil cooler lines?
- What are oil cooler lines?
- Can I replace my oil cooler lines myself?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
Load full table of contents
How much does it cost to replace oil cooler lines?
The average cost to replace the oil cooler lines is $220-$280. However, this is just an estimate—your exact costs will depend on your vehicle’s make and model.
How long does it take to replace oil cooler lines? A certified mechanic typically takes around 2 hours to change the lines. They will inspect the cooling system and let you know if any lines are damaged and if a replacement is necessary. If so, a full transmission cooler line replacement will be done.
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.
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.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What parts do I need for my oil cooler lines replacement and how much do those parts cost?
Unlike other parts of your vehicle, the oil cooler lines are a single part—when it breaks, it’s usually the only part you’ll need to replace. However, you may need some additional tools, such as:
- Jack stands
- Hydraulic jack
- Drain pan
- Wrench set
- Socket set
- Screwdriver set
- Wheel chocks
- Towels or rags
Buying new oil cooler lines is relatively cheap, with parts costing between $38.46 and $47.01.
You can buy oil cooler lines 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 of our recommended brands for oil cooler lines parts are Dorman, ACDelco, and Hayden Automotive. With this said, the best parts and brands for your replacement will vary based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?
When replacing your oil cooler lines, you don’t have to spend the money on OEM parts. Many aftermarket oil cooler lines are manufactured from high-quality materials for long-lasting performance and smooth oil transfer.
That said, you’ll want to ensure the lines are built to OEM standards and work with your vehicle’s specifications. While you can use aftermarket parts and save money, OEM parts are guaranteed to fit and work correctly. Before investing in new oil cooler lines, check the part number on your current line and reorder the same one, as they can vary by vehicle model year, make, and engine size.
Where can I buy parts for my oil cooler hose replacement?
Oil cooler lines are available online through automotive parts shops like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts. You can also find them on Amazon. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s specs before buying new lines.
Where can I get my oil cooler lines replaced?
Finding the right shop to change your oil cooler lines can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a trusted mechanic to turn to. Luckily, Jerry's
GarageGuard™
can help you compare rates for the services you need from more than 2,500 reputable auto repair shops across the United States. Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from shops using their actual hourly labor rate. It will also let you know if you need to budget for diagnostic fees and show you trustworthy reviews from real customers to help you choose the best service.
Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair costs in your area.
118 Reviews
Byrider Colerain
9797 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH
Oil Cooler Lines Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$63
(Parts - $43, Labor - $20)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$65115 Reviews
Daniels Tire & Auto Service
6535 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA
Oil Cooler Lines Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$77
(Parts - $43, Labor - $34)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$90132 Reviews
Wrench Inc. - CAE
Oil Cooler Lines Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$74
(Parts - $43, Labor - $31)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$150119 Reviews
Insta-Quick Fast Oil Change
5200 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park, FL
Oil Cooler Lines Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$51
(Parts - $43, Labor - $8)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$0How 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 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 lines?
If your oil cooler lines need replacing, your mechanic will:
- Allow the vehicle to cool down
- Raise the vehicle on jack stands and place a drain pan under the oil cooler lines
- Disconnect the defunct oil cooler lines and allow the excess oil to drain out
- Install and secure two new lines
- Start the vehicle to check for any leaks
After a quick road test, a mechanic will check again to make sure that the oil cooler lines are snugly in place and have stopped leaking. Then, voila! You’re good to go.
Pro tip: Ask your mechanic to check on your oil cooler lines during your regularly scheduled oil and filter change, just for some extra reassurance that they’re properly in place
What happens if I don’t replace my oil cooler lines?
Oil cooler lines are essential to your vehicle’s cooling system and are in constant use when the engine is running. If the oil cooler lines are damaged and leaking, not replacing them can lead to a drop in the oil level, causing possible internal engine
damage
.Fixing or replacing your oil cooler lines is simple, but fixing an engine is not. If your engine is damaged, your maintenance costs will be significantly higher.
What are oil cooler lines?
Oil cooler lines are two solid metal tubes or reinforced rubber hoses that run your car’s pressurized oil to the oil cooler before sending it to the engine.
The oil cooler works like your car’s radiator—it uses air to remove excess heat before sending the oil back into the engine. The oil cooler is an important detour for some engines, and the oil cooler lines are a vital part of that process.
How do I know if my oil cooler lines need replacing?
Oil cooler lines do not have a set lifespan, so if your engine is running right, you will never have to replace them. But most drivers don’t realize just how important these lines are—and how important keeping engine oil cool is.
The hotter the oil gets, the thinner it becomes and the less it protects the engine. In order to pump the oil into the cooler, the oil cooler lines must be working properly. Because these lines undergo a lot of wear over the vehicle’s lifetime, there are some warning signs and common symptoms to look out for if your cooler lines need replacing:
- Low oil levels
- Crimps or bends in the oil cooler hose
- Oil leaks and puddles under your car
- Physical damage to the lines
Leaky oil cooler lines can cause your vehicle’s oil levels to drop, harming your engine in the short and long run.
Pro tip: If the lines themselves look okay, but you notice there’s still some leakage, check the fittings as well. Some oil cooler lines and fittings are connected to the fittings as one piece, but sometimes they are two separate parts.
How often should oil cooler lines be replaced?
As with many parts in a vehicle’s engine, the oil cooler lines don’t have a set replacement interval—they generally don’t need to be changed unless there’s a problem.
If your car has oil cooler lines and they need replacing, there are a couple of things to consider:
- Consider replacing both the oil cooler lines and the fittings. Some lines are connected to the fittings, so it will be necessary to replace both.
- If the lines lead to an oil cooler, you may need to replace the oil cooler as well, especially if the damage results from debris buildup.
Simply put, when you need to change your oil cooler lines depends on your vehicle and how often you drive. To keep everything in optimal condition, have your lines inspected whenever you perform an oil change and regular
car maintenance
.Can I replace my oil cooler lines myself?
If you're not car-savvy, replacing the engine oil cooler lines yourself could prove a difficult DIY job—there's a lot of elbow grease involved. If unsure, it's always best to leave it to the professionals and bring your car to a mechanic for help.
However, if your car is still under warranty—or if you’ve purchased an extended warranty—your transmission cooling system may be covered under your warranty. Contact your local dealership for details.
FAQs
How much does it cost to have oil cooler lines replaced?
The average cost to have a full transmission cooling line replacement ranges from $150 to $350, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
What causes oil cooler lines to leak?
Oil cooler lines can become damaged for several reasons, such as age, old oil, road debris, or clogged. If you suspect your lines are leaking but aren’t sure, call your local mechanic and book an oil and transmission fluid leak inspection.
Do I need to drain the oil to replace the oil cooler lines?
Yes—once you’ve removed the oil cooler lines, you’ll want to drain any excess oil. It will drip from underneath your car, so be sure to put a pan underneath to catch the excess oil and avoid an oil spill.
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.
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