Rear axle breather line

[Ian5700]

I changed the rear axle fluid last friday and i saw the breather line was connected with a metal clip to a metal ledge just above the spare tire, i moved it to the metal ledge above that one which is one the frame, giving 2 inchs extra height and it is now also covered from below as it in inside the ledge.

I just wanted to make sure that this new location is not going to pump dirt and water into the diff, etc. I just got wondering about it as Ford did not put it there, and there is enough hose.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

If you flex all the way out, you may separate the line from the axle tube. I replaced my line, ran it up all the way up behind my tail light just for kicks.

 

[Ian5700]

It isn't flex all the way out, there is still some slack, however less so than before.

Should the rear breather have the white plastic cover cap like the front axle breather does?

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Yes, the rear should have a white plastic cap.

 

[Ian5700]

Mine has seem to have lost it. Should i seek a replacement? Would ford have this? When i took the front one of and drove, in corners the steering would shake, etc. I wonder why the rear has no ill effects without plastic cap.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

The plastic cap shouldn't have anything to do with steering. If there is a shake, then you have another problem.