Diff Breathers

[Grey Nomad Member Find all posts View Profile Close Grey Nomad]

Hi all

I purchased the full kit from Billet Race Craft (Ebay name billetracecraft) and I didn't have to source any other parts as there was more than enough to do both diffs, gearbox and transfer box.
Here is what the installed filters look like.



Cheers - John

[dickybird Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dickybird]

Re: Diff Breathers

I fitted the rear diff breather and ran the hose up in the jack compartment and I extended the front diff higher in the engine compartment, but the transmission breather on my 2008 D4D prado VX is so far down and out of reach behind the engine, I cant see how I can get to it to extend it. Has anyone reached it? How? Is it worth doing? And like the others have found, the cap atop the original breathers seems to be a one way valve as there was a considerable inrush of air when I loosened it. So does it effectively keep water out anyway? The fact there was a lower pressure inside shows it doesnt leak through the seals at the wheels for example.

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

Re: Diff Breathers

Hi Dickybird,

There are several posts in this thread that detail how to extend the transmission breather. In brief, removing it was easy... just pull until it comes off. No need to remove the clip.

Installing the new extended hose was very fiddly, but certainly doable. It helps if you have less chunky hands and fingers too. I found the winning position was to lay under the transmission, with feet pointing to the rear and effectively hugging the transmission (my wife would say cuddling :mrgreen: ). I could then finger the new hose into position. It was not easy and my hand took some small punishment as I worked through the pain . With the hose in place, I then tried to reinstall the clip. However, my hose was a little thicker and I found it impossible to get the clip back into place.

Whist the new hose was a tight and secure fit, I eventually grabbed some zip-ties to finish it off. That also took quite a bit of patience, as you have to finger the thing into place. Very little room and you may as well be blind-folded cause you can't see what your hands are doing.

So does it effectively keep water out anyway?

That's a good question and you make a good point. I doubt anyone can say with certainty that it will or will not keep water out. After all, as you mentioned, it behaves as a one-way valve, so surely that would be enough.

A couple of thoughts...

• mud can dry around the breather and effectively locking it in the open position. Next time you go through water, your diff will take a nice deep drink.[/*:m:10f302f8]
• I wonder how much reverse pressure the breather can take. I imagine there is signicantly greater instantaneous pressure when you sink a hot diff in cold water.[/*:m:10f302f8]
• I guess breathers can wear out or be faulty for a variety of reasons.[/*:m:10f302f8]

Despite the tricky transmission breather, it's a few hours spent cuddling your Prado. What other possible excuse do you need .

LFaR.

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: Diff Breathers

I've done this mod to a few 4by's in the past, and will be one of the first mod's to my new prado.
I use 6mm peumatic air line and push lock fittings as said previously with spintered metal exhaust filters on the end. Push lock fittings are so much easier than stuffing around with hose clamps and screwdriver and they will screw straight into the diff housing as well. And since the airline is the same as whats used by my lockers, I just carry around a length to cover all issues when traveling
Blackwoods etc sell all the parts but I noramly go to a industrial peumantic supplier to get these. Normally alot cheaper.


Daniel

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

Re: Diff Breathers

That sounds great Daniel; puch-lock fittings and one-size-tube to rule them all. Please post pics when you're done.

Cheers,
LFaR.

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: Diff Breathers

I take pics when I do the mod, I'll be doing pretty much what I did on my 80. .....Now I'm waiting to pick up my new toy.

[DocK Member Find all posts View Profile Close DocK]

Re: Diff Breathers

Got around to this and the auto transmission and transfer case breathers the other day - the diff is very simple. I noticed that someone had threaded the breather up thru the fuel filler - thought that was pretty good idea and easier to do than thread it all the way to the front of the vehicle. It keeps any fumes away from the cabin as well. Found that a brass motor mower fuel filter - had one in the shed, was a perfect fit over the Billettcraft blue tube. All done in about 15 minutes - now I feel a more confident in water crossings. There was a substantial hiss when I released the original Toyota breather, and this was when the whole thing was cold - so I wonder how the breather was breathing?

[switched Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close switched]

Re: Diff Breathers

Found the filter that Piranha use on their diff breather kits for anyone considering this mod. As mentioned above they are a pneumatic silencers and exhaust type restrictor.


Currently $4.73 exc GST

http://australia.rs-online.com/mobil...duct&R=4547395

[iancam Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close iancam]

Re: Diff Breathers

Following the sound advice contained in this thread, had the breathers done today by Pete and his team at Xtreme 4x4, Mona Vale, NSW. Didn't do it myself mainly because I don't have the gear to get the beast off the ground enough to get underneath to do the drive train 'hug' (my wife would say it was because of the beer gut!).




Note the universal, off-the-shelf fuel filters used by Pete.
All up cost AUD$206.50, though Pete said it was a 'good' price.

Pete's mechanic reported an inrush of air when he removed the rear diff 'breather', like many others have done in this thread, confirming this is a one-way valve (lets air out but not in). Seems the rear diff operates under negative pressure until a proper breather is fitted.

Thanks to all those who have contributed to this thread - the advice was fantastic.

Regards,
Ian

[Signature035 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Signature035]

Re: Diff Breathers

Hi Ian,

Thats a very neat installation....

But ..... I've lived around Mona Vale (still work there) for years...... never heard of Xetreme 4X4, where are they?

[iancam Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close iancam]

Re: Diff Breathers

Hi Rob,

You can find Xtreme 4x4 at 2/56 Darley St, Mona Vale, opposite rear of Pittwater Place shopping centre and east side of bus station entrance. I like to support local business and Pete is real easy to work with.

Regards,
Ian.

[Signature035 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Signature035]

Re: Diff Breathers

Hi Matt,

On the strength of Ian's post (above) I went and spoke to Peter today from XTREME 4X4 at Mona Vale.
I did both diffs a few years back, and just didn't have the energy or flexibility to do the other 2.

Ian will do the 2 extra's for a great price *(around $100) and says unless you can get the vehicle up high off the ground its a pr%#k of a job.

I am getting him to do mine next week.

Thanks Ian for the referal.

PS..... They have an official Opening on the 27th September and 4WD Action are turning up to photograph as well.

[Prado BB Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Prado BB]

Re: Diff Breathers

Hi Matt

I bought a kit off eBay that did the 2 diffs, transfer case and auto, however when I got to the transmission, I found that the one breather did both via a T join. I simply removed the breather hose from the T joint and connected the new hose supplied with the kit and chased it up to the breather manifold (came with the kit) in the engine bay. The only thing I will say is that there is very limited room to place your hand up (right side of transmission) but it can be done without a hoist.

I will take photos on weekend, but here is a shot of the mainfold unit.
[attachment=0:kc1adx1i]DB Manifold.JPG[/attachment:kc1adx1i]

[WBY 1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close WBY 1]

Re: Diff Breathers

PS..... They have an official Opening on the 27th September and 4WD Action are turning up to photograph as well.

you going Rob? might have to go and check them out. but 27th? thats a sunday...

[Prado BB Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Prado BB]

Re: Diff Breathers

Awaiting your pix !!

Matt,

This is the best I could do.

Ist pic shows the location to find the Y joint (I know I called it a T before, it's actually a Y). It is where the transfer case joins the transmission on the driver's side (you can see the exhaust shield). Reach on top of this area on the right hand side and you will feel it. If you pull it slightly to the right you will see the 3 hoses and metal Y joint.

[attachment=1:bycb2463]tranny2.JPG[/attachment:bycb2463]

The next pic shows exactly where to find the Y joint, it is just on top of the blue electrical plug. Now I have assumed the petrol is the same as the diesel, because I can't see why it would be different.

[attachment=0:bycb2463]tranny3.JPG[/attachment:bycb2463]

Hope this helps, if not let me know what else you need. Only too happy to help.

Cheers
Andy