Power Steering cooler line leaking
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New User
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Rural Manitoba
Power Steering cooler line leaking
I have 2002 F150 5.4L gas 4X4 Lariat FX4. Last winter when it got to -30C here in Manitoba one of the lines near the power steering cooler began to leak. I had just bought this truck and upon investigating found that the original line had been replaced and reattached with hose clamps. I had this "farmer fix" redone but then this winter when it hit -30C it blew apart. Obviously something happened to this line before I got it, so I am curious if there is an issue with these power steering cooler lines when it gets really cold. Should I just get factory lines installed and hope for the best?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,354
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From: Winnipeg
If it's the high pressure line it shouldn't have hose clamps on it, they should be hydraulic crimped. The return line, which isn't high pressure, will usually have a standard ring clamp, similar to using a hose clamp. You might want to flush the steering fluid as you don't know what the previous owner may have used as a quick fix. I guess it's possible the pump's pressure relief valve may stick if the systems dirty. I live in Mb. and have never had issues with the steering on my 02. My brother's 03 did have slight seepage problems with the trans cooler line crimps when it was extremely cold.
Power steering fluid won't freeze. Check Rock Auto parts online and you'll see how the various lines should look.
Power steering fluid won't freeze. Check Rock Auto parts online and you'll see how the various lines should look.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Rural Manitoba
Thanks Limey. I will check into which line it is and also look into the pressure relief valve. It only happens when it is really cold so either the hose shrinks enough to loosen the grip on the hose clamp, or the ATF gets so thick it builds up more pressure than the clamps can handle. I will get the proper lines installed and see if anything changes. I was posting on here to see if anyone was having a similar experience in the cold but it doesn't appear to be the case.
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