breeather off the back (front side) of the T-case

[ernzo]

Had some tranny work done. Later, when looking under the vehicle, I see a breather tube - small rubber - projecting off the (front) side of the t-case with a bracket attached and going nowhere. In fact, the bracket was causing a clatter against the front driveshaft which is how I found it!

OK, I have not found a diagram, but I do read that this breather is supposed to be capped, as mine is, and the cap which looks solid is actually a one way valve?

Therefore, it does not go to another fitting, it is held up by the bracket, which was disconnected. Pointing down, correct?

Questions. Where does it go, can I get there, can I just let it dangle?? I have looked but breathers are not well documented anywhere I have looked...

thanks!!

 

[Anime]

There is a "valve" of sorts that originally came on the end of the hose to keep out debris. Most of them have fallen out of the hoses by now. If yours still has it, keep it on there and don't mess with it.

The breather hose is supported (upwards and then pointing backwards, between the body and transfer case) by the bracket, the bracket is bolted to the transfer case.

You can get to the bolt and attach the bracket quite easily from under the truck with just a ratchet and socket, or even a wrench.

I know because I've done it, in the dark, on the side of the road a few hundred miles after dropping the tranny for a clutch job. Somehow when driving I remembered I hadn't yet bolted the breather hose bracket back up.


It helps to have the breather hose and valve so water doesn't make it's way into the transfer case when driving through semi-deep water, even when it's just flooded roads, muddy trails, or deep snow. In the worst case scenario, the few extra inches the breather hose sticks up lets the Explorer travel through water high enough to cover the tires.