Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Below is a link to simple and cheap axle breather. Its a ATV vent ballon that expands and contracts as the axel heats and cools down(accordian style), I would have used a zip-tie.

http://img442.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 98alt9.jpg

Would that have enough air volume in it to "fill" a 4WD's diff when it cools?

Hmmmmmmm.... Would that work well? Where would you get it from?

I have seen normal balloons on the end of a remote breather - seems to work fine. not recommended down at the diff though - too vulnerable.

steve.

MugginsMoo has/had them on his Jimmny.

I think the $1 balloon "party pack" will see out his lifetime, as he seems to get reasonable life out of them.

I can see some issues... The hotter the diff gets (and the more the balloon expands) - the more resistance it has to further expand, so the pressure inside the diff is highest - right at the same time as the oil viscosity is lowest.

On mine I have just hose-clamped some cheap fibre re-inforced tube to the breather, run it up inside the engine bay or rear body, and zip-tied a piece of filter foam to the end.

ISUZUROVER wrote:I can see some issues... The hotter the diff gets (and the more the balloon expands) - the more resistance it has to further expand, so the pressure inside the diff is highest - right at the same time as the oil viscosity is lowest.

Isn't the issue with breathers the vacuum caused by sudden cooling possibly pulling water into the diff ? Would have thought that a sight positive pressure would be a bonus

I wonder if the slight air pressure in a diff would have any effect on the oil.

These vent balloons have been used in the U.S.A for a few years no with no issues. They cost $2 each and they do have enough volume for expansion and contraction.

So.................. what happens when you drive into really cold water and the 'ballon' wont contract any more?
Water will be drawn in thru seals and wheel bearing(s).

Not worth this and other risks..

Just use a piece of hose and a cheap petrol filter on the end.

Bazzle

bazzle wrote:So.................. what happens when you drive into really cold water and the 'ballon' wont contract any more?
Water will be drawn in thru seals and wheel bearing(s).

Not worth this and other risks..

Just use a piece of hose and a cheap petrol filter on the end.

Bazzle

(I guess) exactly the same thing that happens with a factory stock breather if it's operating correctly, (which they often don't, hence the reason for extended breathers)

I don't run balloons myself but the member in our club who does swears by them and has been running baloons for many years.


Steve.

I am going to try the vent balloons, because its simple and cheap. I have been told that these vent ballons are available at Suzuki ATV dealers.

http://trail-gear.com/diff-breather.html

bubs wrote:http://trail-gear.com/diff-breather.html

It's a matter or weather that would be srtong enough also. Just looking at my Hilux out the front after a quick drive last night there's a small branch stuck in the rear spring/brake bias.

Hose barbs and some rubber hose has always worked well.