The transmission lines on your Chevy Cavalier carry transmission fluid from the cooling core in the radiator to the transmission. As the fluid heats up in the transmission, if becomes thin and less effective; cooling it becomes necessary. But if one of your Cavalier's transmission lines is leaking or damaged, you'll need to replace it. Otherwise, the transmission fluid will leak or plug and the fluid level will drop, damaging the transmission. Replacement cooling lines are available, pre-bent to fit your Cavalier, from any Chevrolet dealer.
Raise the front of your Cavalier off the ground, using a jack, and place a pair of jack stands under the frame to support the Cavalier. Position an oil drain pan under the radiator where the transmission lines meet the radiator.
Loosen the fitting on the end of one transmission line at the radiator with a wrench, then pull the line down and let any transmission fluid drip into the drain pan. Move to the other end of the line, where it meets the transmission, and place a second drain pan under the lines.
Loosen the fitting on the transmission end of the line you're working on, using a wrench, then pull the line out from under the car. Slide a new line in place, attaching it to the transmission first. Tighten the fitting with a wrench.
Raise the line to the hole on the radiator and thread the fitting in place. Tighten the fitting with a wrench until it is tight. Repeat the process for the second line. Remove the drain pans from under the car.
Raise the car off the jack stands with your jack, remove the jack stands and lower the car to the ground. Remove the jack from under the car.
