Diff Breather Mod
Discussion
Another PH'er asked about the diff breather mod I mentioned on another thread so I thought I would share the answer here.
Suspecting my diff leak was coming from the breather after spirited driving, I did the following:-
Remove osr wheel
Check oil level in diff is correct
Undo diff breather stub/cap
Replace with equivalent threaded pipe union (mine was 7/16 check yours first)
Attach a length of pipe to union with small hose clip
Cable tie pipe to chassis rail ensuring it is higher than diff outlet
Attach original breather stub and cap to the end of the pipe
Position end of pipe as best as you can to avoid dirt/water ingress
Now any oil that would have spilled out over your diff should now travel up the pipe and return to the casing when it has calmed down a bit.
Suspecting my diff leak was coming from the breather after spirited driving, I did the following:-
Remove osr wheel
Check oil level in diff is correct
Undo diff breather stub/cap
Replace with equivalent threaded pipe union (mine was 7/16 check yours first)
Attach a length of pipe to union with small hose clip
Cable tie pipe to chassis rail ensuring it is higher than diff outlet
Attach original breather stub and cap to the end of the pipe
Position end of pipe as best as you can to avoid dirt/water ingress
Now any oil that would have spilled out over your diff should now travel up the pipe and return to the casing when it has calmed down a bit.
Chimjunkie said:
Great timing RedCabbage!! Had mine in 3 times to a main dealer and they could not fix the diff leak. Dont think they were familiar with this fix. I am sure it is coming from the breather too!
1 pint credit
No problem, I'll hit you for some property advice sometime in the future.1 pint credit
Thanks for the info (the question asker being me)
Is yours a BTR or GKN diff?
And by checking oil level do you mean measuring out 1.6 litres and putting that in, or measuring the level in relation to the filler. I think it is possible to get up to 2 litres in before it reaches the filler, which is why mine is chucking it out (BTR)
Is yours a BTR or GKN diff?
And by checking oil level do you mean measuring out 1.6 litres and putting that in, or measuring the level in relation to the filler. I think it is possible to get up to 2 litres in before it reaches the filler, which is why mine is chucking it out (BTR)
Edited by dogbucket on Tuesday 8th January 09:12
dogbucket said:
I think it is possible to get up to 2 litres in before it reaches the filler, which is why mine is chucking it out (BTR)
I have a BTR filled to the level plug, not chucking anything out of my breather.It might be worth noting the BTR breather has a one way valve in it so putting a tube on it might not be as effective a mod.
dogbucket said:
I think it is possible to get up to 2 litres in before it reaches the filler, which is why mine is chucking it out (BTR)
Thats interesting. So if overfilled oil will be jettisoned? How do you drain the diff oil? (mine BTR as well) Dont want to keep letting it leak until the oil level equalibriates. (great word)
Jon.
Chimjunkie said:
How do you drain the diff oil? (mine BTR as well) Dont want to keep letting it leak until the oil level equalibriates. (great word)
The BTR has a drain plug on the bottom of the back plate.If it is overfilled I wouldn't leave it to the breather to empty it for you, you could end up with problems.
ok, well I just drained it and got about 1.5 litres out of it so it wasnt overfilled.
cleaned the breather nipple up, but that must be working as there was a slight vacuum in the diff when the filler was undone (I assume where it had cooled down and the nipple had shut)
it has the right oil, so I dont know
cleaned the breather nipple up, but that must be working as there was a slight vacuum in the diff when the filler was undone (I assume where it had cooled down and the nipple had shut)
it has the right oil, so I dont know
dogbucket said:
Here is my finished breather. My friend fabricated the elbow fitting (7/16" UNF). I have retained the original one way nipple in the end of the pipe to stop anything getting in.
Done about 30 miles and so far no leaks
Ideal.Done about 30 miles and so far no leaks
As long as the route of the pipe is higher than the top of the diff any oil that may have previously overflowed will return to the diff when it cools.
I am also keeping a check on the final position of the end of the pipe to ensure it doesn't get covered in dirt from the wheel.
The end is probably about 3 inches higher than the outlet, obviously the body stops it being positioned any higher. It is cabled tied to the main chassis rail in the area of the os rear wheel. Should be away from any major muck I think.
and thanks for your help!
and thanks for your help!
Edited by dogbucket on Friday 25th January 14:00
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