I was recently changing the oil on my 03 with 14,000+ miles and noticed that a power steering line was very close to the clamp that connected the steering column to the steering sector. Upon closer inspection I found that a hole was almost worn into the metal line. I bent the tube away from the steering sector and have notified my dealer to have the part available for replacement when I have the computer flashed for the cruise control recall.

Has anyone else seen this problem? It would be a good thing to inspect each time you go under your rig. It could ruin your day to loose your power steering!

 

Good call!<br><br>I went and checked, and both the 03's are wearing through.<br><br>Thanks, you saved me a breakdown.

 

I saw the same thing on another board a long time ago when the trucks first came out. I think the poor guy lost all his fluid and had to get towed to the dealer. I can't recall if it was this board or another, but I did see the same issue. <br><br>Check those hoses!

 

The previous incarnations have also had problems with the tranny cooler line on the 4X4's.<br>It sits right near a crossmember and vibrations tend to make it rub back and forth wearing a hole right in it.<br>Fix is a chunk of garden hose ziptied around the affected area (hopefully before it has had a chance to rub any)<br><br>Might want to check those 3rd Gens for the same problem.<br><br><br>phox

 

I did the initial oil change today and checked the lines while I was under there. DC must have addressed this problem on the later produced units. The lines on mine are appx. 1 1/2&quot; away fron the shaft. My truck was built in mid December.<br> A little off the subject is the ease of which it is to remove the oil filter unlike on my previous Gen II. It came off easily with a cup oil filter wrench and with none of the Gen II associated spills. You don't even have to hold your tongue just right to get the new filter on. ;D

 

oil filter came off easy ??? I was looking at that thing and goint into a cold sweat. I can barly see it. Did you approach from underneath or what ???

 

Yes you do remove and install the filter from underneath. It is a piece of cake with the proper size cup style oil filter wrench.

 

The original filter was so tight that I ended up removing the air tube and breaking the filter loose with a strap wrench, 1/2 inch extention and johnson bar. The next time I am sure I can use the cup style wrench from the bottom. I put the new one on from the bottom with no trouble at all. Just be sure if you work from the top and take the air tube off, reconnect the air sensor. I forgot and set a code. Changing the filters is actually easier than the one on my 97.<br><br>Casey

 

Man if you guys think that filter is in a difficult location you should look under the hood of many gassers. Yikes!!! <br>BTW to drain the fuel/water separater on the Powerstrokes you gotta climb under the truck and have a 6mm allen key. Then you get the pleasure of fuel running down your arm. I hate it when my neighbours don't buy the same thing I drive

 

OK,<br><br>I looked for the power steering line rub point and couldn't find any problem. My 03 was made in October or November. <br><br>Just to be sure, where do you look for this problem? Underneath or from over the fender looking down?<br><br>Thanks,<br><br>