Diff Breather Mod

[RedCabbage]

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.

[RedCabbage]

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.

[RedCabbage]

Mine's GKN and it was slightly overfilled at last service which didn't help.

I check mine using the fill level not the quantity added.

[RedCabbage]

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.
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.