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Rusted steel line above steering rack

Post number 17 has been selected as best answered.

bluestream1

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Waterloo Ontario
Year, Model & Trim Level
2000 XLT 4.0 SOHC 4X4
I just changed my inner tie rods and noticed a small steel line the size of a brake line just hanging loose. It lies right on top of the rack and runs to both sides, but I cant seem to see if it goes anywhere...It is not the rack fluid lines, these are larger and intact. I am hoping this is just a vent??? Any ideas?
 



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Front differential vent?

There are steel lines that connect both sides of the rack, but they would have brake fittings.
 






Did you have to drop the rack down to replace it?
 






I edited my post a bit about the lines, but no, I was able to get those parts at Ford and it was a very quick job (either DIY or a shop). You do have to lay on the floor and since I didn't have a garage then with snow on the ground I let a shop do it. The rack don't have to be dropped. I know the place used a six point to remove the nut (the lines were cut off because they were frozen in place). Took about 30-40 mins cause the air had to be purged from the fluid afterwards. I hope those parts are still available, but I'm sure they are all over pick and pulls and you could probably fab it with brake lines(depending on the flare type).
 






Thanks, I see Rockauto has this part, but they list a short and long version. Any idea which is the right one? My guess would be the long version

A-1 CARDONE 3L1204 CARDONE Service Plus Rack & Pinion Hydraulic Transfer Tubing Assembly
 






You sure that loose vent line isn't the one that runs between the inner tie rod boots? When replacing an inner tie rod, that line must be re-inserted into the backend or inner most portion of the boot.
 






IMG_20160605_184318.jpg
You sure that loose vent line isn't the one that runs between the inner tie rod boots? When replacing an inner tie rod, that line must be re-inserted into the backend or inner most portion of the boot.
Yes, I suspect that is what is is. It crumpled when I knocked the band off the inner boot. And it just sits there limp as I can move it with my hand. I did not see any holes in the boot to put this tubing into. I am lifting the line with a screwdriver in the pic.

As mentioned in my first post this is the size of brake-line, not the rack tubing size which is larger
 






The vent line I'm referring to (and, what this one looks like) is only supported on either end when inserted into each inner tie rod boot. I'm sure your boots have the "lobe" where it inserts if you look closely.
 






The vent line I'm referring to (and, what this one looks like) is only supported on either end when inserted into each inner tie rod boot. I'm sure your boots have the "lobe" where it inserts if you look closely.
Yes it's the vent line, and yes I I have the lobes on the boots...my question is can I get by without the lines installed?
 






It's only speculation but, I can't see where it would affect the operation by leaving it off. With that said however, leaving the tube out leaves an opening in the boot that may allow moisture/grit inside that can corrode and wear out the ball socket prematurely. And, you probably don't want to plug the holes as that won't allow normal balance of atmospheric air pressure as the boot flexes?
 






It's only speculation but, I can't see where it would affect the operation by leaving it off. With that said however, leaving the tube out leaves an opening in the boot that may allow moisture/grit inside that can corrode and wear out the ball socket prematurely. And, you probably don't want to plug the holes as that won't allow normal balance of atmospheric air pressure as the boot flexes?
Thats basically what I thought as well...I dont think much grit or water would get in given that the boot is really hidden in the cross member. I think I will take a piece of brake line and fab something up to fit in the boot hole. Truck is 17 years oil, and I dont think I'll have it that long, but Ive been saying that for years now...
 






Have someone a photo of this vents? I don't know how it should looks like...but I have one loose "brake line-like" hose going on the top of the rack ... and one loose/corroded rubber hose going 20 cm up the left lower control arm with vent valve in the end.

I'd be grateful for any ideas, I will take a photo of my rack :)
 






that stupid metal line basically goes from boot to boot, so that when one boot gets compressed the air goes over to the other boot. This is a vent line for the inner tie rod boots.
Leaving it off will not effect performance BUT debris/dirt/sand will get sucked into the boots and wear out the inner tie rods much "sooner"

I have a couple of spare racks here if you need the line I can drop ship one
 






that stupid metal line basically goes from boot to boot, so that when one boot gets compressed the air goes over to the other boot. This is a vent line for the inner tie rod boots.
Leaving it off will not effect performance BUT debris/dirt/sand will get sucked into the boots and wear out the inner tie rods much "sooner"

I have a couple of spare racks here if you need the line I can drop ship one
Thanks but I'd prefer to buy it locally here in Poland, Europe due to shipping :P
Okay, so I thin that this brake-line hose is clear.

But then I still have no idea what whas this rubber vent line not connected to anything (bottom of this line is definitelly broken)....Has rack and pinion vent line (beside this vens boot to boot) ?
 






Please take picture so we can confirm
 






the only rubber vent line in the area is for the front differential
 






Ok, confirmed - that vent line is probably vent from front axle (will rebuild it & get up to the hood)

And I've cleaned and got vent "brake-like" line back to its mounts in rubber boots. Thanks for help :)
 






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