Diff breathers

[rambo71]

Going to cape for 4 weeks in June / July do you recommend diff breathers if your car doesn't have them or should I be fine without them

[DaveR]

Please do it.
The expense of doing this installation is far better then the expense of damaged bearings, crown wheel etc down the track due to moisture - fine dust etc.

There are the shinny off the shelf kits available, or buy the bits and do it your self.
If you search here, I am sure you will find good info on how to go about it.
Have fun
Dave

[DaveR]

The expense of doing this installation is far better then the expense of damaged bearings, crown wheel etc down the track due to moisture - fine dust etc.

By the way, I should say down the track means with the passing of unknown time, not a drive down the telegraph track is where something may fail.

What can happen is that the moisture will get in, and condense on the surfaces and start the corrosion. Changing the oils will not allow for the removeal of this condensation etc, so prevention is much better.

[GeoffA]

Going to cape for 4 weeks in June / July do you recommend diff breathers if your car doesn't have them or should I be fine without them

If you're going up the OTT, then breathers are most definitely required.
If you're taking the bypass roads, they won't be needed.

[Turbojohn]

For the cost of doing it, look at it as cheap insurance.  You may not need it but its just another thing you don't need to worry about. Don't forget the gearbox and transfer case too.

[rambo71]

Thanks guys for feedback defiantly get it done gearbox and transfer case aswell.....

[GeoffA]

Thanks guys for feedback defiantly get it done gearbox and transfer case aswell.....

Good move.....

[GeeTee]

Most 4WD vehicles already have breathers to compensate for hot/cold operating temps and pressures etc. Just like an engine, axles and boxes need vents or breathers

The driveline and front diff breathers often (if not always) end in the engine bay and the rear axle's in a chassis rail. Many people choose to extend the rear's to the engine bay for the extra height so water doesn't get splashed or drawn in during water crossings.

A small amount of water will more than likely get into your driveline lubes (it enters via the axles seals) and is no problem, short-term

No matter what, your lubes must be checked and possibly replaced when you get back so budget the time and $ to do this

[dazzler]

I thought most newer 4wds had lengthened diff breathers.  Have you ducked your head under and had a look?

They exit from the top of the diff pumpkin/banjo.  Old style are just a round cap the size of a thumbnail and later ones have a hose attached that goes up into the body somewhere.

Water is REALLY destructive to vehicles so avoid water over the centre of the wheel if you can (obviously you cant always), use a water tarp/sheet over the front of the vehicle and use the bow wave to keep water away from the sides of the 4wd as much as possible.

As GT says, breathers wont stop water getting in and you are best to change the oils when you get home or say at Cairns on the way back.

Have fun.

[GeeTee]

yeah Dazzler, most 4WDs (and some cars such as Falcons etc) have diff breather hoses that tuck into a chassis rail a good distance above the wheel centre line