1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Rear Differential Breather Mod (pics)

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by DarkMint, Aug 3, 2021.

  1. Aug 3, 2021 at 1:42 PM
    #1
    DarkMint

    DarkMint [OP] just gettin by

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2021
    Member:
    #61680
    Messages:
    406
    First Name:
    Ben
    Vehicle:
    2004 Tundra DC SR5 4WD
    Just did the rear diff breather mod on my 2004 Tundra. You can tell I did it as easily as I could. The breather is attached after I threaded the tube through that frame hole so there's no way it can just slip through and fall down. The ziptie feels redundant. I used parts from Amazon. The diameter of the breather piece is actually different from the diameter of the union piece on the pumpkin, so I just sleeved it using two different hose sizes. Main hose is 3/8" inner diameter. Breather valve is sleeved with about 0.3" of 3/8" outer diameter hose, then stuck into the larger hose.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XHBY38X?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00P2S0TKQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

    Is there anything glaringly wrong with this or should it work fine?
    Do I need different hose or is this regular tubing OK? I'm thinking about what can go wrong due to the way I attached it, hot gasses, etc.

    IMG_20210802_171605.jpg
    IMG_20210802_171618.jpg
    IMG_20210802_171623.jpg
    IMG_20210802_171628.jpg
    IMG_20210802_171636.jpg
    IMG_20210802_171918.jpg
     
  2. Aug 3, 2021 at 1:51 PM
    #2
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2019
    Member:
    #36156
    Messages:
    15,435
    First Name:
    Mo
    The SoAz
    Vehicle:
    2006 DC 4.88s Elocker and some other trippy stuff
    None
    You may want to check if that hose is petroleum rated, most clear vinyl tubing isn’t. If you get fuel line, it’s more thicker and you won’t have to worry about kinks as much.
    I ran mine tween the frame and the bed and up into the tail light area. I also put a loop where you have it zip tied, you want some slack for when your suspension opens up
     
    BroHon, bmf4069, Barrett50 and 2 others like this.
  3. Aug 3, 2021 at 1:55 PM
    #3
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2018
    Member:
    #20730
    Messages:
    9,115
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Southeast Greater Basin, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM CrüeMax
    A lot.
     
  4. Aug 3, 2021 at 1:58 PM
    #4
    DarkMint

    DarkMint [OP] just gettin by

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2021
    Member:
    #61680
    Messages:
    406
    First Name:
    Ben
    Vehicle:
    2004 Tundra DC SR5 4WD
    I completely forgot about the need for line slack for suspension flex. Damn.

    Petroleum rated is better for heat resistance or is it just better because it's thicker? Do I need to worry about heat resistance?
     
  5. Aug 3, 2021 at 2:00 PM
    #5
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2019
    Member:
    #36156
    Messages:
    15,435
    First Name:
    Mo
    The SoAz
    Vehicle:
    2006 DC 4.88s Elocker and some other trippy stuff
    None
    Rated because it will have the fumes from the diff oil(usually has some kind or made from petroleum)
    It’s also usually thicker and stronger
     
  6. Aug 3, 2021 at 2:02 PM
    #6
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2018
    Member:
    #20730
    Messages:
    9,115
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Southeast Greater Basin, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM CrüeMax
    And also because the fumes are under pressure or vacuum depending on the temp difference. It'll either balloon or collapse that clear tubing.
     
    Jack McCarthy and Darkness like this.
  7. Aug 3, 2021 at 2:23 PM
    #7
    HBTundra

    HBTundra New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2019
    Member:
    #38908
    Messages:
    658
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2006 DC 2wd
    What's the intention for this breather mod. ? Cooling caused by heat / expansion?
    What are you using the truck for that you feel the need to do this?
    Honest questions, not being a smart a$$
     
    Darkness likes this.
  8. Aug 3, 2021 at 2:26 PM
    #8
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2018
    Member:
    #20730
    Messages:
    9,115
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Southeast Greater Basin, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM CrüeMax
    If you do any type of water crossing with a hot differential, the cooling from the water can cause water to be sucked in through the stock diff breather.
     
    HBTundra[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Aug 3, 2021 at 2:32 PM
    #9
    HBTundra

    HBTundra New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2019
    Member:
    #38908
    Messages:
    658
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2006 DC 2wd
    Gotcha . . . that makes sense. Mine's a pavement princess . . . but I guess similar theory as dunking a boat trailer in the saltwater w/ hot brakes or bearings . . . sucks that corrosive water into the wheel bearings/ brake-parts etc.
    Thanks for the heads up.
     
    Darkness and TRDFerguson[QUOTED] like this.
  10. Aug 3, 2021 at 2:33 PM
    #10
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2019
    Member:
    #36156
    Messages:
    15,435
    First Name:
    Mo
    The SoAz
    Vehicle:
    2006 DC 4.88s Elocker and some other trippy stuff
    None
    Yeah I’m glad I did mine; last trip to the lake I was up to the top of my rear bumper, exhaust burbling. I still want to do a fluid swap to make sure it all worked in real life.
     
    Darkness and TRDFerguson[QUOTED] like this.
  11. Aug 3, 2021 at 2:36 PM
    #11
    TILLY

    TILLY Gently Used Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2019
    Member:
    #35797
    Messages:
    4,110
    Gender:
    Male
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2019 MGM TRD Sport D/C
    Another thing I would be concerned about is running the tube through the hole in the frame the way you have it pictured. Vibration and constant movement might cause damage to the hose allowing water in. If you still want to locate it there, I would use a rubber grommet and install it in the frame hole first, then the hose. Good luck.
     
  12. Aug 3, 2021 at 5:16 PM
    #12
    TTund16

    TTund16 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2017
    Member:
    #5798
    Messages:
    1,150
    Gender:
    Male
    there is another long thread about this subject and iirc, the breather valve is designed such that it won't suck in water unless there is valve failure and I assume that is very rare!

    I need to revisit that thread but kind of sure that was the conclusion if you read every post carefully. I also confirmed it with one of the more knowledgeable members and if you are worried about the valve failure, it may be a good mod.
     
    HBTundra[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Aug 3, 2021 at 10:28 PM
    #13
    jimf909

    jimf909 Battery almost dead...

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2021
    Member:
    #57786
    Messages:
    368
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Washington or Idaho
    Vehicle:
    '03 Tundra SR5 AC 4.7 TRD w/LSD
    Dead stock with oem 16" starfish wheels. We'll see how long that lasts. :) Topper of unknown origin.
    My primary purpose in doing this mod was to get the breather out of the path of road spray that would eventually accumulate and clog the breather as I found mine clogged with 17 years of goop. The clogged breather forced air out the next easiest path which is the the axle seal which makes a mess of things.

    This isn't unique to Tundras, it's an issue with old BMW motorcycles and VWs (which I have experience with) as I'm guessing countless other cars as well (most of which I have no experience with). Seals are designed to keep liquids from seeping/leaking, breathers allow air pressure to escape sealed spaces.

    It looks like the OP's mod will work, check it occasionally for kinks.
     
  14. Aug 4, 2021 at 2:59 AM
    #14
    des2mtn

    des2mtn Third Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Member:
    #48721
    Messages:
    3,739
    Where my wheels stop rolling
    Vehicle:
    2004 Black DC Limited 4x4
    Tonto cover
    Prior to doing my breather mod, my stock breather clogged up with dust and other junk and could not properly vent, blowing my axle seals. Just as @jimf909 said, the air and hot gear oil will take the past of least resistance, usually the axle seals.

    If you're not going to mod your breather, at least go under there and twist the vent around every so often.
     
    FrenchToasty and BubbaW like this.
  15. Aug 4, 2021 at 3:05 AM
    #15
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2019
    Member:
    #30129
    Messages:
    1,261
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tundra AC SR5 4WD, 4.7 Automatic
    The vent keeps pressure/vacuum from building.
     
  16. Aug 4, 2021 at 6:20 AM
    #16
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2018
    Member:
    #20730
    Messages:
    9,115
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Southeast Greater Basin, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM CrüeMax
    Right, but my guess is with that clear vinyl tubing, the tubing sees those effects before the breather gets to do its job.
     
    Glock 40 likes this.
  17. Aug 4, 2021 at 7:01 AM
    #17
    Glock 40

    Glock 40 I'm here to break shit

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2020
    Member:
    #53606
    Messages:
    735
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Yukon Cornelius
    Way up thar
    Vehicle:
    2000 AC Limited 4X4 4.7L
    Deadpool Edition
    As others have suggested, you want a stout line that won't collapse or deteriorate. I bought 7 or 8 ft of trans line (off the spool) from NAPA for under $2.00. I ran it under the bed and above the spare using zip-ties and it now lives a safe life in the LH tail light cavity. I installed while the axle was hanging and left slack for suspension articulation.

    [​IMG]2021-02-16_10-20-31 by GhostCreekMine, on Flickr

    [​IMG]2021-02-16_10-20-52 by GhostCreekMine, on Flickr
     
  18. Aug 12, 2021 at 11:02 AM
    #18
    DarkMint

    DarkMint [OP] just gettin by

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2021
    Member:
    #61680
    Messages:
    406
    First Name:
    Ben
    Vehicle:
    2004 Tundra DC SR5 4WD
    I redid this with much thicker and stronger braided vinyl tubing from Home Depot. You can see the new tubing VS the old one. The old one creases easily whereas the new one is difficult to bend. Both hoses are 3/8" ID.
    Per the advice here I left a loop there for suspension articulation. Probably a bit much but I don't think it'll hurt.

    Attached the breather valve to a different hole in the frame, this time above the spare tire bracket. I didn't want to bother with threading a long line up to the tail light or bed itself since this is elevated enough for me.
    Valve and hose clamp already wont fit through that frame hole but I put a ziptie for good measure.

    IMG_20210812_105322.jpg
    IMG_20210812_105332.jpg
    IMG_20210812_105345.jpg
    IMG_20210812_105733.jpg
    IMG_20210812_105819.jpg
     
    TRDFerguson, bmf4069 and Glock 40 like this.
  19. Aug 12, 2021 at 11:32 AM
    #19
    Glock 40

    Glock 40 I'm here to break shit

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2020
    Member:
    #53606
    Messages:
    735
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Yukon Cornelius
    Way up thar
    Vehicle:
    2000 AC Limited 4X4 4.7L
    Deadpool Edition
    Perfecto! :101010:
     
    DarkMint[OP] likes this.
  20. Aug 15, 2021 at 10:19 PM
    #20
    NickB_01TRD

    NickB_01TRD You don't need less cars, just more driveway.

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2021
    Member:
    #64346
    Messages:
    2,119
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    KY
    Vehicle:
    01 Tundra V8 4X4 AC SR5 TRD
    Just did my breather relocate today. I used 5/16 ID hose for mine with same parts. Both will probably work fine 5/16 is just a very snug fit. This line fits both ends even though they are slightly different sizes.
     
  21. Sep 18, 2021 at 10:08 AM
    #21
    Spyker

    Spyker I’m a dude,playin a dude,disguised as another dude

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2020
    Member:
    #43634
    Messages:
    288
    Vehicle:
    2020
    So you used the same parts from the original post above, and used 5/16” ID hose?

    also, did anyone use any Teflon tape on the new union piece attached to the rear axle?
     
  22. Sep 18, 2021 at 10:13 AM
    #22
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2018
    Member:
    #20730
    Messages:
    9,115
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Southeast Greater Basin, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM CrüeMax
    I don’t think you’ll want to use Teflon since you’re dealing with a petroleum product in the gear oil. Not sure what the torque spec is on the first gens but it should be snugged down pretty good and will be fine.
     
  23. Sep 18, 2021 at 10:13 AM
    #23
    Spyker

    Spyker I’m a dude,playin a dude,disguised as another dude

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2020
    Member:
    #43634
    Messages:
    288
    Vehicle:
    2020
    thats a great point, thanks

    I’m going to do this on my 2020, all of the above parts are the same from what I’ve researched for all 3 gens.
     
  24. Sep 18, 2021 at 10:16 AM
    #24
    NickB_01TRD

    NickB_01TRD You don't need less cars, just more driveway.

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2021
    Member:
    #64346
    Messages:
    2,119
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    KY
    Vehicle:
    01 Tundra V8 4X4 AC SR5 TRD
    Yes same stuff just Toyota OEM on breather itself as well. Not sure there's much difference. I used a very small bit of thread paste on mine although it seems that it's not necessary. Ran mine up behind the taillight. 20210815_180311.jpg
     
    Spyker[QUOTED] likes this.
  25. Sep 18, 2021 at 10:18 AM
    #25
    Spyker

    Spyker I’m a dude,playin a dude,disguised as another dude

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2020
    Member:
    #43634
    Messages:
    288
    Vehicle:
    2020
    Do you have a link to the Toyota OEM breather? I’d much rather run that than a aftermarket brand.
     
  26. Sep 18, 2021 at 10:19 AM
    #26
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2018
    Member:
    #20730
    Messages:
    9,115
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Southeast Greater Basin, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM CrüeMax
    Yep, I did the same on my 2018. I just didn’t know what year you were dealing with, and didn’t want to mis-speak on a first gen spec for fear of public flogging…
     
    DarkMint[OP] and Spyker[QUOTED] like this.
  27. Sep 18, 2021 at 10:21 AM
    #27
    NickB_01TRD

    NickB_01TRD You don't need less cars, just more driveway.

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2021
    Member:
    #64346
    Messages:
    2,119
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    KY
    Vehicle:
    01 Tundra V8 4X4 AC SR5 TRD
    Spyker[QUOTED] likes this.
  28. Sep 18, 2021 at 10:22 AM
    #28
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2018
    Member:
    #20730
    Messages:
    9,115
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Southeast Greater Basin, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM CrüeMax
    Did you get rid of yours? You can reuse the same one that you moved from the diff. The threads fit into the tubing no problem, then just clamp it.
     
  29. Sep 18, 2021 at 10:23 AM
    #29
    NickB_01TRD

    NickB_01TRD You don't need less cars, just more driveway.

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2021
    Member:
    #64346
    Messages:
    2,119
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    KY
    Vehicle:
    01 Tundra V8 4X4 AC SR5 TRD
    Never gave that much thought. Most guys doing this on 1st gens probably need a new breather anyway. I guess if you're doing it on a newer truck that's not a bad idea.
     
    Spyker and TRDFerguson[QUOTED] like this.
  30. Sep 18, 2021 at 10:28 AM
    #30
    Spyker

    Spyker I’m a dude,playin a dude,disguised as another dude

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2020
    Member:
    #43634
    Messages:
    288
    Vehicle:
    2020
    I actually was curious if anyone had tried it. That works for me, thanks.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top