Axle Breather Help

The axle breather is missing on my D44 rear axle on my 75 CJ5. Does anyone know of a parts supplier that has them?

 

The Catapiller tractor folks have a little positive pressure one way valve that screws into a .25 hole. I think they are less than 5 bucks each. Someplace I have the part numbers and stuff if anyone is interested.

 

Now that FL1960CJ5 has brought up the subject, can some one tell me where the stock breather location is on a 1974 D30. I no gots one on mine and I am quite sure it is just plugged and needs to be cleaned/tapped when I do find it again. A location would sure save me a lot of climbing around searching.

 

I believe it is on the top center of the differential...probably has a bolt or a plug in it.

I would like that also.

 

The factory breather is just a pipe nipple screwed into the tube. No need for any valve. You should be able to find something that fits at your local hardware store. Don't use a valve of any type on the breather. If you don't releave vacuum when the diff cools off, it'll pull air in around the seals possibly drawing in any water or mud that may be there.

The breather on a D30 is in the top of the diff offset to one side of the ring gear so the gear isn't forcing oil out of the diff while it's turning. It may just be broke off. Again, it's a pipe nipple and easy to find.

Just to be complete, the breathers normally are almost solid stock with a very small hole dirlled in them. I don't know of any reason this must be maintained, a regular pipe nipple with an adequate extension hose should work just fine. Make sure the hose tucks well up into the frame so road spray or water doesn't get into it.

 

I have the pipe nipple already. It is 1/4 inch pipe thread as I recall. i just bought standard barbed fittings from a hardware store. On the rear I drilled a snug fit hole and ran the hose up to my roll bar. Leaving enough slack to allow for articulation. On the front I was thinking up into the passenger compartment. I did however notice the smell when it gets hot.

I think the fitting on my front got broken off and is now just covered/filled with dirt grit grime. Thanks for an idea of where to look for it. I am thinking then face side of the ring gear off set far enough so as not to get tossed oil. Makes sense. Will have to take a look later today.

Thanks!

 

If you run in the mud or hit a lot of water crossings in your areas trails you might want to remove the vent caps and run long lines from the diff vent tubes to someplace higher, like the firewall. Then use a plastic "T" fitting for hoses the same size and attach a small filter, I saw a mini-K&N type clone at Auto Zone recently, is supposed to be used aa a crank case breather I suppose. That will let the diffs vent without the risk of sucking in water.

 

Bringing this thread back. I have a 73 with a dana 44 rear axle. I found what looks like the breather nipple but there is only one on the drivers side top tube. Is that the only one? Do I need one on the pumpkin to? I thought This axle had seals on the inside and outside. I could be wrong. Thanks.

 

yes, should only be the one vent on the tube.
There are 2 seals; one on the axle shaft, and one installed just inside the tube at the axle end.
So the vent is well inside and away from the seals.

 

Thanks.

 

The plastic vent caps can be found at 4wheelpart.com.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/prodDetail.aspx?partNo=OAI16561.01&jeep-parts=true

Ed