A few days ago, my passenger side stainless steel flexible exhaust started leaking. It makes a hissing noise like an air leak on a big rig. Upon inspection, there is soot around the stainless braided portion of the pipe. I took it to the dealer and they said it's a big job to replace since either the cab has to come off or the transmission has to come out. I then went to a shop that specialized in Ford diesels and they said the same thing. They also said that they've replaced a few of these. Another mechanic looked it up and found that it's a seven hour job so my suspicions is that the cab has to come off.

Is there an easier way to replace this pipe? It's behind the turbo and right up against the firewall and to the right of the main exhaust. Two days without a truck that makes me money is quite annoying.

Thanks,

Mike Pop

 

I doubt it, there's a reason the cab typically comes off to replace a turbo. There's very little room in there and you won't find anyone who knows what they are doing to attempt it otherwise.

As you said in another thread, these things are complex and hard to work on.

 

I think Cab off is gonna be the best way to do it. Turn around time should be fairly quick if you plan ahead and ensure they have the part on hand.

Around here they could do that in one day.

 

Cab off to get to bolts.

 

It can be done, but it isn't easy. I've got the cab off of one now to reseal the turbo. The issue is the bolts in the rear. We're actually supposed to torque those bolts. Look back there and ask yourself how can you get a torque wrench back there.

 

I happened upon this thread again and figured I would give an update:

I did have both hoses replaced and went to an excellent diesel repair shop in New Jersey. They didn't have to pull the cab but that was an option. Instead, they pulled the transmission (since I had a camper on the truck). Either way, something big has to be pulled to replace the hoses.

 

I removed & discarded that pipe when I took both EGR coolers off.

I had to cut the pipe completely into, in 2 places to get it out

I couldn't imagine having to shoehorn a new one back in place

 

Just had mine done. Dealer had to lift cab to get to it. Got it lifted replaced and put back together all in the same day though.
Hunter40

 

7 hours to pull/reinstall cab = probably so.
but
that long to pull a transmission = come on....

If budget is the probably...
Also why can't somone just cut the piece off and weld in a new one?
Slip joint or clamps, might be ugly but a seal is a seal.

Never understood why they use flex tubes.
well maybe if the motor mounts break or something..

 

my guess would be heat contracting the metal allowing it to shrink and expand. but i dono

 

I'd say they used flexible tubing for the engine torquing & having rubber engine mounts.
IDK just my .02 cents

 

its a great paying job that can be in about 45min really

 

Mike, Sent you a PM if you can check out when you get a chance.