Axle / Diff Breather and Hub Seals

[stuzbot]

As I mentioned in elsewhere, my "almost-a-Colorado" has some oil misting around one of the rear wheels, which I think is a weeping hub seal, rather than brake cylinder. Also, it came with a new Toyota hub seal in amongst the folder of receipts etc. which points to someone else having made the same conclusion.

Anyway, this avvy, I embarked on the business of giving all of the underside a damned good going over with the wire brush, prior to Vactan-ing and painting. And, since I started with the rear axle, a query?....

Am I correct in thinking that one of the possible causes of a weeping hub seal can be pressure build-up in the axle/diff due to the breather being blocked? And, if that is the case, where would the breather be and how do you test whether it's blocked or not?

I spotted this likely candidate while brushing round the rear diff housing. But, when I had a feel round it, it just felt like all metal rather than having a breather valve of some kind. So I'm assuming that isn't it... unless it's so clogged solid, it just feels like an solid lump of metal.

 

[fbnss]

That is the breather, I'm sure the outer thimble looking bit should be loose to the rest of it.

 

[fbnss]

When I extended mine I just stuck that bit back on the end of the extended pipe

 

[Buller]

I changed mine. It rusted up and fell apart. It unscrewed easy and the new one is loose as fbnss says. See photo
They are on Ebay as well for £11

 

[Geoff 28]

The best way to check that is to chuck it in the bin! but the good news is that with the exception of a bulb those breathers are just about the cheapest part you’ll ever buy for a Landcruiser! your front diff has one as well so hang the expense and order two!
EBay as Buller mentioned or Roughtrax, they had them in stock when I bought two last year.
It might not stop the weep on your hub seal but it’s a good place to start!

 

[Buller]

It’s says …..

 

[stuzbot]

Cheers all. Whatever was on there was so filled with crud and/or seized that it didn't feel like a moving part at all. So I'll get a couple ordered while I'm still numb from the shock of ordering my new OEM LBJs from Partsouq: $300+ including postage.... and that's before the customs and DHL take their pound of flesh.

 

[Tractionman]

Agree with others, definitely shagged if it's like that!
My 120 one was partially seized, but after a few days of applications with plus gas, managed to free it, and the new one is still on the garage bench.

 

[Towpack]

I extended all my breathers high enough to not bother with the valves. If I end up in water deep enough to swamp the breathers I've got far more important things to worry about!