Lower Radiator Hose: worth inspection

[bushpilot]

Some photos supporting a discussing Ive had.

Sometime ago Bartman helped me flush my tranny and he
discovered i had a RUB/GASH in my lower radiator hose
(caused by the steering control/pitman arm).

@ 51k miles this is not what i would consider a GOOD thing

I replaced the lower radiator hose (refilling w/ Zerex G-05 GOLD
coolant to the 70/30% coolant/distilled water mix, max cooling &
freez protection).

When i reinstalled the replacement hose (available from just about
any autoparts store for about 30 bucks) I TURN the hose a little
and gained SOME extra clearance.

I then took the OLD Hose, cut the bent ends off it & sliced the straight
portion of the hose down the middle.

I wrapped the GOOD/NEW hose w/ the SLICED OLD HOSE & used a
couple of zip ties to hold everything together.

The factory has had TWO different fixes for this (and none are great)
the nylon webbing (or sock) will move & will likely be pushed out of the
way allowing direct rub/contact between the steering parts & the
hose.

you really need to get under there and inspect the hose visually and
by feel...min rub was atleast 50% thru the hose, and about 1.5 to 2
inches in lenght.

Keep a watch on this...the last thing you want is a busted LOWER hose
when your out traveling.

Zerex G05 can be found at AUTOZONE (ive yet to find it any other
place).

Heres some phots showing the lower radiator hose & how ive protected
it.

 

[bushpilot]

The photos

 

[stroked 350]

nice job

 

[WD40]

Thanks, gives me something else to always keep and eye on. LOL
At least you do good work.

 

[black_cloud_stroker00]

is the last pic upside down?

what is the tee'd hose for?

 

[CHPMustang]

is the last pic upside down?

what is the tee'd hose for?

That's the top end of the radiator and the T I believe is for the coolant filtration.

 

[Maxtor]

Great information Bush;

Thanks

 

[bushpilot]

That's the top end of the radiator and the T I believe is for the coolant filtration.

give that man a CIGAR !

i had some SURFACE shine on the upper hose...nothing to be
worried w/ but i had the extra bits of hose that i cut up from the
OLD damaged lower hose...the T is for the coolant by pass filter !

 

[F350DRW1]

I threw an old length of hose around my lower hose on the first oil change. The hose had a couple scratches on it already from the steering linkage.

 

[black_cloud_stroker00]

is this something that only affects the 6.0's