A liquid fuel strainer assembly includes a filter body of filtration media. The filter body includes a first wall and an opposing second wall shaped to define an enclosed interior space therebetween. A fitting connects the filter body to a fuel pump, and provides fluid communication from the enclosed interior space of the filter body to the fuel pump. A flexible tube is disposed within the enclosed interior space of the filter body. The flexible tube prevents the first wall and the second wall from collapsing toward each other to allow fuel to flow through the enclosed interior space toward the fitting. The flexible tube is not attached to either the fitting or the filter body, and is freely moveable within the enclosed interior space of the filter body.