What's that small tube for?

[GMueller]

I was just under my truck changing the oil. I saw this small (about 3/8 inch) tube (rubber) that connects to the top passenger side of the front differential near where the axle tube joins. It runs up the drivers side and attaches to the drivers side top front shock mount with a white cap on the end.



What the heck is this for?





GEM

 

[formula]

That's the vent tube. It allows the pressure inside the diff to equalize with the outside pressure. Without it, you'd have gear oil pushing out past the seals.



Sean

 

[jungledave]

To add to formulas reply. Most vehicles , including cars have a vent for the axle. The tube extends up into the body so that it cannot be submerged under water, well in most cases, and has a little plastic filter at the end

 

[GMueller]

Thanks.

That satified my curiosity.

GEM