What does an axle breather do?

What does an axle breather do?

A differential / axle breather serves the important purpose on a 4WD vehicle of venting the air pressure in your drivetrain assemblies such as differentials, gearbox and transfer case.

What problem may be caused if the rear axle breather is blocked?

The breather valve on top of the axle, where fitted, can also become blocked. This causes oil and air to build up inside, which may force oil out of leak-prone places. Overfilling the axle with oil can also raise the pressure enough to cause leaks.

What does a rear axle breather tube do?

As the axle increases in temperature, the air pressure inside the axle likewise increases. To accommodate the increase in air pressure resulting from this heat, manufacturers add a vent tube to the top of the axle as means of releasing this pressurized air to the atmosphere.

What happens if diff breather is blocked?

When your differential breather becomes clogged from dirt it prevents the gasses inside the diff from escaping and builds up pressure from the heat that is generated.

Do I really need diff breathers?

Why are Diff Breathers important? Extended diff breathers are extremely important insurance for your 4WD if you drive through water. In essence, when you go through a puddle that is near or above diff height, you are dunking a hot differential into cold water.

Can diff breathers get water?

In some cases, breathers have a one-way valve that closes when the pressure flips, and in this case that water can be sucked in through your axle or pinion seals.

Are diff breathers worth it?

What is a axle vent tube?

The Axle Vent Bladder recirculates oil back to your axle and helps to avoid the pressurization that can damage seals. The Dana Spicer Axle Vent Bladder protects your axle from water and mud off-road and helps you avoid costly repairs to internal axle components caused by contaminants entering the axle.