2011-Chevrolet-Suburban-transmission-cooler
Cars,  Auto Parts

2011 Chevrolet Suburban – Install Transmission Cooler [Simple Guide]

The transmission is an important part of the engine. It can compromise the performance of your car if it is not working properly. Among others, an extremely high temperature is one thing that can bring significant damage to your transmission. When it is exposed to heat, it can be easily strained and will be prone to wear.

To install your 2011 Chevy Suburban Cooler you can watch videos, talk to other people on forums, and go to online or physical parts stores to get more information.

To make sure that the transmission will function at its peak and deliver incredible performance, the installation of a cooler will be a big help. That being said, in the rest of this post, let me share with you the simple steps that are involved in the installation of a transmission cooler on a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. Even without the help of an experienced mechanic, this is one task that you can successfully accomplish on your own.


What You Will Need to Follow this Tutorial

Tools-Needed

Here are some of the materials that you have to gather before you get started with the task:

  • Torque wrench or screwdriver
  • Car ramp
  • New transmission cooler
  • Hose
  • Transmission fluid
  • Mounting bracket kit
  • Rotary zip tool
  • Clamps
  • Snips
  • Zip ties

Step-by-Step Guide on the Installation of a Transmission Cooler on a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban

Before you read the steps that will be tackled below, watch this video for a visual guide on how to successfully complete the assembly of a new transmission cooler: (This one is for a Chevy Tahoe)

You can watch this video on YouTube or go to etrailer.com for a video specific to the Chevrolet Suburban. Here you can see the visual guide on how to successfully complete the assembly of a new transmission cooler: (This one is for a Chevy Tahoe)

  • Before you start working, you need to access the front part where the radiator is positioned. To do this, you will need to take out the front clips using a screwdriver or a torque wrench, depending on the configuration.
  • Remove the pin and screw-in fasteners in the wheel. To do this easily, it would be best if you have a car ramp, which will elevate the vehicle and will allow you to conveniently access what is underneath.
  • Once all the fasteners are removed from both the passenger and driver side, you can now remove the front cover of the Suburban.
  • You will need to have a space where the transmission cooler will be installed. With this, you will have to remove and relocate the front crash sensor. Take it out and place it on the side. 
  • Prepare the cooler before the installation. If it is brand new, there may be rubber caps on the end. Remove these caps.
  • Install the hose on the inlet and outlet of the transmission cooler. To make this easier, using a transmission fluid is recommended as it can provide some sort of lubrication. Tighten the hose clamps, making sure that the hose will stay in its place.
  • Once the cooler is ready, you can now proceed with its installation. Fasten it on the cross brace with the use of self-tapping fasteners. Use a bracket kit to have all the mounting hardware, including bolts and nuts.
  • Work under the vehicle and mark the section that you need to cut out to give way to the transmission cooler. This will provide the room to remove the old factory-installed transmission line and the new one that you will have to install. You will need a rotary zip tool to complete this step.
  • Remove the old transmission line. It will be best to have a drain pan underneath as it is most likely that there will be a fluid leaking.
  • Connect the new hose to your transmission line. Connect to the transmission cooler. See to it that all parts are properly clamped.
  • Use snips to cut out any excess clamps. If not, they can cause friction and can damage the components of the transmission, especially the hose. More so, use black zip ties so that you can secure the hoses in place.
  • Now that your transmission cooler is installed, re-install the crash sensor and the front clip.

Pro Tips

The use of a transmission cooler is just one of the many things that will be effective in keeping the engine at its best. To ensure peak performance and cooling of the transmission, the following are some of the things that you have to keep in mind:

(I found that etrailer.com has parts and a video to help those who want to replace their 2011 Chevrolet Suburban Cooler) 

etrailer
Credit etrailer.com
  • As most seasoned drivers would suggest, going neutral is one of the best ways to keep your transmission cool. If you know that the car will not be moving for some time, shift your gear into neutral, which will provide the car with the opportunity to rest, and hence, will reduce its temperature.
  • Always check the levels of fluid, not only the transmission coolant. This is especially important if you expect to go on a long drive. See to it that the fluids are always at the right level so that they can do their job of cooling the transmission or the entire engine. If the fluid level is below what is necessary, the components can be easily prone to wear.
  • Once you have a transmission cooler, you might also want to consider the installation of an in-line filter. The latter will effectively get rid of particles and contaminants that can damage the transmission.
  • Choose the right type of transmission cooler that is fitted to your requirements. The most common type is tube and fin, which have fins wherein the air flows to cool the transmission. The stacked plate, on the other hand, uses tubes as passageways to cool the transmission instead of fins. Aside from configuration, see to it that it is made of high-quality materials.

Conclusion

As shown in the discussions above, the installation of a transmission cooler on a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is pretty much an easy task that does not require professional expertise and knowledge. With the basic materials and a bit of patience, you will be able to save money by doing it on your own rather than paying a mechanic for such simple work.

Have you tried installing a transmission cooler before? Is there anything else that you would like to share? Do not hesitate to leave a comment below.