ARB Breather

[NAHHT4R]

Hey Guys,
I was going through Trail4runner.com and saw the ARB diff breather post. I was reading up on some forums and I know it's mainly use for going through rivers and any places that will bring the water level pass your diff. I know this a bit of a noob question, but I wanted to know if it's something I should consider installing even if I'm not going through rivers that will pass my diff and if there is any other benefit to it? I was checking on some other forums and some people were saying that the stock ones get clog from dirt and all that stuff when you go on trails, but I wanted to see whats some of you guy's feedback on it.
I'll be mainly just doing trails and camping, so I don't think I'll ever go through rivers.

 

[ryguytheman]

There are a lot of issues that can arise from driving in deep water, and the dif breather mod will not be a catch-all defense. Nobody should feel protected driving in deep water because they did this mod.

It's just an inexpensive project that gives people a little bit more peace of mind.

You don't need it.

 

[jrandom]

You can do it for about $12, if you really want too.

 

[Bossman]

Rear Differential Breather Mod For Dummies

Rear Diff Breather Mod - Complete!

Rear diff breather

Help With Rear Diff Breather Mod

Questions re: Rear Differential Breather Mod

 

[NAHHT4R]

Thanks guys.
I'll just hold off on this for now and get it when I need it.

Also thanks [MENTION=26691]Bossman[/MENTION], I should've done a little more research to find these post. I'll take a look at them.

 

[mteolus]

The only way water will get into your diff is if the diff is really hot and you drive into really cold water. There are actually two breathers back there (if you have a TRD). You can see a good video of the mod here.

I don't have one. I've thought about it but haven't done it yet. I have driven through deep cold water but it wasn't the diff that had the problem, it was the starter. That is a known issue for some with FJ's and 4Runners. Not a good idea to drive through water just for the hell of it. If you have to to get to a road then fine, but I see people just goofing off in deep water which isn't really a wise thing to do. If the wires ever get water in them and corrode, you have a huge issue.

 

[Arnezie]

Question for you guys that obviously know breathers. 3rd gens have an issue where it is thought that the axle seals failing is a result of the breather rusting closed causing pressure not able to equalize in the diff thus making the seals fail. Is this a concern with 5th gens ??


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[spartacus]

3rd gens are 2 decades old and they do get used. My rear axle bearings went bad after 300k but my seals weren't leaking. It'll be wise to check the breather for corrosion as part of maintenance even on a 5th Gen specially if you live where rust is prévalant or drive through water.

 

[TheJokingExplorer]

Not to Hijack his thread but while we are talking about the rear diff breather I might as well ask. I am running the ARB kit and just got around to mounting filter onto the side in my engine bay. I used the self-tapping screws. Should I place anything where I drilled the holes to prevent rust? It might be a stupid question but just thought Id ask.

 

[jrandom]

3rd gens have an issue where it is thought that the axle seals failing is a result of the breather rusting closed causing pressure not able to equalize in the diff thus making the seals fail. Is this a concern with 5th gens ??

Well I replaced the fluid (before I did the breather) for the first time at 20k and when I cracked the drain plug it vac'd air in. Which kinda led me to believe the stock breather was done, it was pretty mucked up when I pulled it. Fluids "looked" good for what that is worth, no visible water, didn't send it to blackstone or anything. I live at ~5000 elevation. A good portion of the offroad and winter driving I do and had been doing was around ~8000 prior to the change, some water, some snow & muck. So it could have definitely equalized at higher elevation. New breather is much higher now and well it has six+ish feet of hose to balance in too.