Front Differential Breather Hose Questions

[dude1116]

Hi All!

Currently in the middle of replacing the breather on my front differential (2004 KJ 4x4). I managed to rip the hose off both ends (the vent dry rotted, will be replacing). I have a couple questions while I replace:

1) How much water/how safe do you think it would be to ride without the breather hose attached for a week (diff can still breath, just not extended. Won't wheel, obviously). Only reason I ask is because the dry-rotted vent's replacement will be here next Friday.

2) Those who extended their hoses: where did you put it? I was likely going to put it back in the same spot (under the battery tray, attached to the vent), but if I wanted to extend it a little higher, where's a good place to put the vent down? Or did you just zip-tie the hose to something without the vent?

3) The metal piece that was holding the diff end of the hose onto the dif is beyond warped and destroyed (I was a little stupid getting it off...). What did you use to re-attach the hose to the dif? I was thinking metal zip tie, but I will likely have difficulty taking it off if I ever have to again. Did anyone use plastic zip ties? Or did you all just re-squeeze the stock metal ring back around the hose?

I hope all of that makes sense! Thank you all in advance for your responses!

:cheers:

 

[tommudd]

Hi All!

Currently in the middle of replacing the breather on my front differential (2004 KJ 4x4). I managed to rip the hose off both ends (the vent dry rotted, will be replacing). I have a couple questions while I replace:

1) How much water/how safe do you think it would be to ride without the breather hose attached for a week (diff can still breath, just not extended. Won't wheel, obviously). Only reason I ask is because the dry-rotted vent's replacement will be here next Friday.

Well who knows what kind of dirt may get in there with no hose , parts stores near you don't have any hose ?

2) Those who extended their hoses: where did you put it? I was likely going to put it back in the same spot (under the battery tray, attached to the vent), but if I wanted to extend it a little higher, where's a good place to put the vent down? Or did you just zip-tie the hose to something without the vent?
I've ran most of them up by the master cylinder, top of the battery area
3) The metal piece that was holding the diff end of the hose onto the dif is beyond warped and destroyed (I was a little stupid getting it off...). What did you use to re-attach the hose to the dif? I was thinking metal zip tie, but I will likely have difficulty taking it off if I ever have to again. Did anyone use plastic zip ties? Or did you all just re-squeeze the stock metal ring back around the hose?
All you need is a small hose clamp, that way if needed you can still remove it

I hope all of that makes sense! Thank you all in advance for your responses!

:cheers:

No none of made any sense at all :mfr_omg::emotions122::whymewhyme::chair:

 

[dude1116]

No none of made any sense at all :mfr_omg::emotions122::whymewhyme::chair:

Haha!

I have the hose. Just waiting for the vent to get in. I can attach it and tape it somewhere temporarily if you say it may be a problem. As for the hose clamp, will this style suffice (just asking about the style. I can get the correct size)? Hose Clamps 4-Pack 5/16" - 7/8"

And did you use the little plastic vent attachment that goes around a bolt, or not?

 

[LibertyFever]

There isn't very much pressure in the diff so a simple tie wrap or a pipe clamp should do.

Did you lose the valve at the top of the vacuum line? I've heard of people using a small fish tank aerator filter at the top of the vacuum line.

And yes, if I were you and I had removed the vacuum line from the diff I would plug the port.


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[dude1116]

There isn't very much pressure in the diff so a simple tie wrap or a pipe clamp should do.

Did you lose the valve at the top of the vacuum line? I've heard of people using a small fish tank aerator filter at the top of the vacuum line.

And yes, if I were you and I had removed the vacuum line from the diff I would plug the port.


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

Yep. Lost the valve at the top (it was completely dry rotted). Definitely think I'm gonna nix the zip-tie idea. It just seemed easiest at the time, but won't be easiest later. Thus far, I've only driven the Jeep on 1 short drive with the hose off, and likely won't drive it too much this week. If I do, I might just duct tape it temporarily or something. It's only a week, and I certainly won't be using 4WD. I would just hate to have the heat in the dif kill it.

 

[Porkchop]

I wouldn't plug it up 4wheel or not it will still get hot and need to breath nor do you want water to get in it. Run the hose up and make sure it cant get water in it. As it cools it will suck air back in.

 

[Porkchop]

Old trick was to use a pop bottle upside down run the hose up the bottom but don't close the bottom off so air can get in and out but if submerged in water the air would get trapped and not let water in.

 

[dude1116]

Old trick was to use a pop bottle upside down run the hose up the bottom but don't close the bottom off so air can get in and out but if submerged in water the air would get trapped and not let water in.

Interesting. The plastic doesn't melt that way? How would you secure it?

 

[Porkchop]

Zippy ties and use common sense where you put it.

 

[dude1116]

Zippy ties and use common sense where you put it.

Good enough for me. Might be my solution tomorrow to get me through the week. Just need to go buy a soda!