What's this thing? (Pics Attached)

[mcoleman80]

I got under my truck a few weeks ago to take pictures of the tires to ask ya'll if I should replace them. Again, I'm learning as I go here, never been much of a car guy. But I want to know my ass from my elbow under the hood and be less in the dark about it all. Anyways, here's a perfect in-the-dark example:

While I was under my truck, I noticed a black hose, between the rear driver's side tire and the gas tank that was just dangling down, not attached to anything on one end. I also noticed a spot on the rear axel where it looked like that hose might be made to go.

Pictures are below. Not sure if I should be concerned, if there is even a problem, or if the problem is as easy a fix as it looks like it might be.

Thanks!!!

 

[blackbeauty]

that tube goes on the rear axle vent tube. i use a small hose clamp on mine and havnt had a problem since. i believe its to release hot air.

 

[mcoleman80]

that tube goes on the rear axle vent tube. i use a small hose clamp on mine and havnt had a problem since. i believe its to release hot air.

What and where is the rear axle vent tube? Is that the thing in my second picture?

 

[CDW6212R]

Welcome, and you are correct, it goes to that diff. housing fitting. Remove that old rubber excess line there, and put the hose onto it. Clamp it if you want to, but I'd be worried about what has gotten into the rear end through the hole.

I suggest that you drop the diff. cover, clean it out well, and look at the fluid coming out. If it looks good, just clean and replace the cover, adding synthetic fluid. If the old fluid looks rough, like a lighter brown from moisture, or with any material in it, you should pull the axles to check them and the bearings.

You do not know how long that vent hose has been off, its purpose is to allow normal venting without allowing water to get into the housing. Good luck,

 

[mcoleman80]

I suggest that you drop the diff. cover, clean it out well, and look at the fluid coming out. If it looks good, just clean and replace the cover, adding synthetic fluid. If the old fluid looks rough, like a lighter brown from moisture, or with any material in it, you should pull the axles to check them and the bearings.

I have searched around a little on here and figured out how to deal with the diff cover, cleaning, and adding fluid. But incase that fluid is bad, where can I find information about pulling the axles and checking the bearings? I wouldn't know where to start.

Thanks

 

[jimbo74]

the chiltons.haynes manual should cover it... its always best to get a factory fsm, but it is hard for some people to justify their expense..... i have a factory fsm, its 4 times thicker than the haynes manual, and about 4x mroe expensive too, but it has pictures and diagrams the haynes doesnt and wont have

 

[CDW6212R]

DVD's are available for most vehicles now, they are not like a real shop manual or the cheap Haynes etc, but they are very good for most basic information.

To pull the axles is a matter of having read a manual for instructions, and having access to a few good tools. Fortunately Autozone started loaning the slide hammer and axle bearing puller tools. Those are invaluable if the axle bearings need to be pulled.

You can remove just the axles to inspect them without too much trouble, but reading the manual would be smart to learn about it beforehand. Regards,

 

[UKExploder]

All this requires a driveway or garage, something some of us don't have access to .....I miss my house and garage, now live in a damned apartment complex.....