lower radiator hose - Diesel Forum

clayk · 08-19-2006, 03:53 PM

Folks,

On my 2004 Excursion TD EB, the lower radiator hose looks like it's pressing against a box of some sort which is wearing away the hose and causing it to leak. Does anyone have any ideas about this?

thanks,

keith

Bullrack · 08-19-2006, 10:33 PM

Yes, all stock trucks do this if they have the 6.0. The best you can do yourself would be to disconnect one end and slip something over it to stop the abrasion and twist it when re-installing it.

hitecdan · 08-19-2006, 11:32 PM

It's a common issue with this engine/truck combo. The lower radiator hose rubs against the steering box and the steering linkage.

What I did was replaced the lower hose with a new one. Then I took the old hose and split in lengthwise. Then wrapped the old hose around the new hose in are contact areas for a custom fit. I secured the old, now outer hose, with hose clamps to keep everything in place.

OMCUSNR · 08-20-2006, 11:45 PM

Mine came with a nylon webbing around the hose. Made sure it was between the steering gear box and the radiator hose 40k back, and its still doing its job.

jward · 08-21-2006, 10:21 AM

I actually glued (3M spray) a small piece of rubber to the steering box where it made contact.

frobozz · 08-22-2006, 08:54 AM

When I noticed my '03 had rubbed almost all the way through I had it replaced under warranty. The new part had an updated number (ended in -EA instead of -AA or something like that) and is nowhere near the steering box now.

I'm not entirely sure what that webbing is for, but I don't think it's for this. It would delay the damage through, what, another 10 minutes of rubbing?

Make sure to look far up the hose for this damage. There's an obvious rub spot down low that I had been keeping an eye on and purely accidentally discovered the actual rub spot farther up, just before it was too late! Here's some pictures I took at the time:

http://www.backglass.org/duncan/psd60_hoserub.jpg

Duncan