Rear diff vent ?

9296D21B14 · Dec 14th, 2005, 03:27 PM

92 D21 2.4 w/auto. Had rear differential fluid changed a few days ago, level was a little low, and it was slightly milky in appearance. Mechanic said possible water contamination. No performance issues in the drive train. I have used this truck to trailer and launch a small flatboat and the diff does go under water at the boat ramp at times. I noticed a small fitting to the top left of the diff housing. Is this the vent? Can water enter the diff housing through the vent? Is there a way to fit a short tube to it and run the tube higher than the vent position on the diff itself? Will doing so interfere with proper venting? I've heard this is something that offroaders do at times for this problem. Or is there another way to temporarily seal the vent during ramp use? Any help is appreciated!

jerryp58 · Dec 14th, 2005, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9296D21B14

92 D21 2.4 w/auto. Had rear differential fluid changed a few days ago, level was a little low, and it was slightly milky in appearance. Mechanic said possible water contamination. No performance issues in the drive train. I have used this truck to trailer and launch a small flatboat and the diff does go under water at the boat ramp at times. I noticed a small fitting to the top left of the diff housing. Is this the vent? Can water enter the diff housing through the vent? Is there a way to fit a short tube to it and run the tube higher than the vent position on the diff itself? Will doing so interfere with proper venting? I've heard this is something that offroaders do at times for this problem. Or is there another way to temporarily seal the vent during ramp use? Any help is appreciated!

If you're going to be dunking the rear, then I would think: Yes, you probably will get water in there (or through the seals even). I don't know if the factory 4x4 vent tube would fit, but it's worth a try.

nastynissan · Dec 14th, 2005, 04:59 PM

If the Rear has been sub-merged then YES It'll let water into the Diff. Take a piece of rubber tuning (Whatever sixe you need) and attach it to the Vent. Then attach teh other end to a Frame Rail or such.

Some (I know older Toyo 4x4's) Had a Label on the Trans and Transfer Case that advised changing ALL Drivetrain Fluids after Sub-merging. I personally suggest this as well. Mainly Because the Diff's, Trans, and Transfer ALL have vent tubes. Ive seen Several Diff's and Transfer Case's lost due to this.

9296D21B14 · Dec 15th, 2005, 10:44 AM

I'll try the extension tube idea when towing/launching. The mechanic also mentioned the possibility of seals as an entry point for water. I'll definitely inspect/ change fluid more often. Thanks again.