replacement front diff breather Disco 3 and 4

[Aussie Jeepster]

For those new to owning D3's and probably some D4's, did you know that Land Rover issued a bulletin about replacing the front diff breather????
I found the thread on the weekend and have just ordered the new version from the local dealer in Adelaide for $73. I could probably get it cheaper on the net, but they have been good to me for other bits, so I'm supporting them
Seems an easy 5 min job when the part arrives.
Info here DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - How to change front diff breather valve/filter/vent (http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic92210.html)
And this is the new replacement item.
133405

[Aussie Jeepster]

Changed over my old breather tonite.
Took 5 mins.
When I checked the old breather, it was blocked solid with whatever crud the filter used to be made of!
I would urge EVERYONE to check your breather and do this mod BEFORE oil starts to weep from your front diff.
Alan

[DiscoJeffster]

I just checked mine, disappointed to find the old one. $73 for that though. Brings a new name for the term stealer. Tempted to DIY a cheaper alternative.

[Aussie Jeepster]

Anything will be better than a blocked breather - just cut the bloody thing off and stick a bit of sponge over it.
If I'd known about this when I purchased mine, I'd have just cut it off until I got a replacement.
And if your are unsure, cut it off and try breathing through it, or digging the white crap out of the inside of it.

[remoman]

Just changed mine tonight. Easy job. Old one was completely blocked.

[specwarop]

Why do you need the expensive replacement? Its just a one-way valve right, to prevent water ingress.
But if you never submerge the breather, is there an issue?

[DiscoJeffster]

Why do you need the expensive replacement? Its just a one-way valve right, to prevent water ingress.
But if you never submerge the breather, is there an issue?

It is not a one way valve, it is a filter. The issue is the line is very fine and the filter too small and blocks leading to the diff breathing through the seals and causing premature failure.

It needs to allow expansion and contraction of the air within the diff, an action that it two way.

And yes though, for a plastic filter it’s just slightly overpriced!

[specwarop]

Can almost buy the ARB Diff Breather kit for that price anyways...

[Aussie Jeepster]

Why do you need the expensive replacement? Its just a one-way valve right, to prevent water ingress.
But if you never submerge the breather, is there an issue?
The main issue is that the material Land Rover put in the old filter deteriorates over time and blocks the breather totally.
You can replace it with whatever you like, but you need to get the old piece of crap off the line to let the diff breathe.
Alan

[Disco-tastic]

Might be a dumb question, but are the rear diff and tc breathers a larger size?

And would it be suitable to use a cheap fuel filter, a length of hose and a couple of clamps? The parts $90 from my local dealer.

Cheers

Dan

[DiscoJeffster]

I think something needs to be cleared up. The term “breather” implies that the line has a significant flow. It is nothing more than a tube to free air to allow for expansion and contraction of the air within the unit. So, hence the tube is small and the filter tiny, as it only needs to move a tiny amount of air. Only the amount caused by the expansion and contraction of the air within the diff.

The reason for replacement is the original was prone to blocking up, leading to the diff potentially sucking in through the seals and collecting dust or water, and premature seal failure.

I take issue with the ridiculous cost for its replacement.

[Aussie Jeepster]

No reason why it wouldn't work. ANYTHING will be better than a blocked breather!!!!!

[Disco-tastic]

I get its the filter that's stuffed. My question was more around whether the rear diff and transfer case use different breather filters, which is why they don't have the same issue?

[Aussie Jeepster]

I get its the filter that's stuffed. My question was more around whether the rear diff and transfer case use different breather filters, which is why they don't have the same issue?
My readings of the UK forums tell me this is the only "breather" that is affected.

[Aussie Jeepster]

It would be interesting to know how many owners have the new version.
133510
Here are the Land Rover details. Considering it was published in 2009, we should have all heard by now!!!
Alan

[Disco-tastic]

My readings of the UK forums tell me this is the only "breather" that is affected.That's why I'm asking. Do you know where the other breathers are? I can't find them in my workshop manual - there's no clear heading and no index.

[Aussie Jeepster]

That's why I'm asking. Do you know where the other breathers are? I can't find them in my workshop manual - there's no clear heading and no index.
Good question!
I think I read somewhere that the rear diff comes up the back somewhere, but I really have no idea - amazing how a thread on one item opens up other opportunities.

[PerthDisco]

I just checked mine, disappointed to find the old one. $73 for that though. Brings a new name for the term stealer. Tempted to DIY a cheaper alternative.

Looks like some parts from my reticulation repair parts box will do the job nicely. It looks like trickle pipe diameter piping and a small trickle head will finish it off.

[Aussie Jeepster]

Might be a dumb question, but are the rear diff and tc breathers a larger size?

And would it be suitable to use a cheap fuel filter, a length of hose and a couple of clamps? The parts $90 from my local dealer.

Cheers

Dan
You need to discuss pricing with your dealer! I told mine I could get it on the net from the UK for $75 before he gave me a price. He fiddled with his calculator and came up with $73.
A fuel filter would probably work, but the tube is a very small OD so I suspect you would need a little bit of rubber pipe to go over it.

[DiscoJeffster]

You need to discuss pricing with your dealer! I told mine I could get it on the net from the UK for $75 before he gave me a price. He fiddled with his calculator and came up with $73.
A fuel filter would probably work, but the tube is a very small OD so I suspect you would need a little bit of rubber pipe to go over it.

I decided to use the factory product, but have purchased one from the UK for $45 + $7 shipping. Still ridiculous, but done.

[Disco-tastic]

I decided to use the factory product, but have purchased one from the UK for $45 + $7 shipping. Still ridiculous, but done.Yeah I'm looking at that option too, as I need a few other parts.

[geoffmc]

So after reading this thread, i was intent on replacing the breather. Picked one up from LR today and popped the bonnet when i got home, only to be greeted by this


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/392.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/user/geoffnvi/media/breather.jpg.html)


Mine is a 2013 model and ive had it since Feb this year. Me thinks i probably should have opened the bonnet earlier and checked. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/icons/icon6.png

cheers
Geoff

[letherm]

Mine is a 2013 model and ive had it since Feb this year. Me thinks i probably should have opened the bonnet earlier and checked. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/icons/icon6.png

cheers
Geoff

Well, at least you've now got a spare if you ever need it.[bigsmile1]

Martin

[matti4556]

Wow - that's a lot of coin for a 90 degree elastomer bend with a filter? inside and an end cap!?
Considering we are mainly keeping under bonnet dirt and splashed water spray out of the diff breather tube, would a cheaper option be to install a sintered bronze fuel filter instead?
133750
You can get these for $5-10 bucks at a local mower shop (not fact-checked but online anyhow). There are different types with and without the plastic tubing over it.
Can someone convince me why I shouldn't use one?
Thanks Matti

[DiscoJeffster]

Wow - that's a lot of coin for a 90 degree elastomer bend with a filter? inside and an end cap!?
Considering we are mainly keeping under bonnet dirt and splashed water spray out of the diff breather tube, would a cheaper option be to install a sintered bronze fuel filter instead?
133750
You can get these for $5-10 bucks at a local mower shop (not fact-checked but online anyhow). There are different types with and without the plastic tubing over it.
Can someone convince me why I shouldn't use one?
Thanks Matti

None at all and I share your dismay! It’s extortion for what it is.

[Disco-tastic]

So I did mine today

$20 worth of bits from supercheap
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/679.jpg

Existing line cut
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/680.jpg

New bronze filter fitted
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/681.jpg

And looped and zip tied off
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/682.jpg

Hardest thing was cutting the old filter off with a razor blade. As far as DIY jobs go this is easier than changing the internal light bulbs!

[LRD414]

Any joy with identifying the rear and TC ones Dan?

[Disco-tastic]

Any joy with identifying the rear and TC ones Dan?Haven't tried yet. I plan to get under there and have a good look tomorrow. Gotta check and see of the front diff is actually leaking too. Fingers crossed!

[Disco-tastic]

So the rear diff breather appears to follow the rear aircon lines at the rear right wheel arch. I didn't take the arch liner out and couldn't trace it any further. I pulled the jack holder out but couldn't see it in there. I'm assuming its next to the air con system behind that rear panel, so is probably fairly well protected, but one day I will confirm that.

Couldn't find the TC breather. It needs to be pulled out to fix a leaky seal though so I can update when I've done that. Won't be til late Jan early Feb though

Cheers

Dan

[PerthDisco]

Think I got mine done for under 20c
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/691.jpg
Original was chopped off with cable snippers. Confirmed unit was completely blocked.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/692.jpg
Hose is exact size as pot plant hose in my garden. This form of dribbler fitting has a s-bend pattern and you can vary the (air)water flow. Screws into the cut off hose. Remove power steering reservoir for finger access.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/693.jpg

Job done looking factory spec.

I reckon if you can prise off the top of the original fitting with needle nose pliers you could the use a small drill bit to clear the foam and put the top back on and reuse the original part. You’d have to be going very very deep to be at any risk of getting water in.

Using my method above you could also use a male-male hose joiner to additional reticulation hose and run the end to any preferred location.

[Disco-tastic]

I'd rather pay the 10 bucks to have a filter on the end there. I have had muddy water splashed up there multiple times.

[Ozzy119]

One of the many things I love about this forum is the little 'to do' lists which appear from time to time, just like this one. Thanks all.

So, when I checked mine it was already cut off (at least someone followed the factory instructions and did so at the correct angle) but didn't put a replacement filter on (or maybe it came off). No idea how long / km's without a filter. Haven't been into any mud or wet though, just heaps of outback dust.

I went with Disco-tastic option of a small fuel filter and section of line, from Auto shop.

Not sure how successful the irrigation / dripper idea will be. Don't these thngs just flow one way, with a rubber washer inside to stop dirt (possibly restricting air flow) from being sucked back in.

[DiscoJeffster]

Not sure how successful the irrigation / dripper idea will be. Don't these thngs just flow one way, with a rubber washer inside to stop dirt (possibly restricting air flow) from being sucked back in.

They don’t exactly ‘flow’ at all. They allow air in and out to cater for the expansion and contraction of the air within the diff. The volume of air moving through it will be tiny, but it’s important none the less, else the seals will take the brunt of it.

[Aussie Jeepster]

One of the many things I love about this forum is the little 'to do' lists which appear from time to time, just like this one. Thanks all.

So, when I checked mine it was already cut off (at least someone followed the factory instructions and did so at the correct angle) but didn't put a replacement filter on (or maybe it came off). No idea how long / km's without a filter. Haven't been into any mud or wet though, just heaps of outback dust.

I went with Disco-tastic option of a small fuel filter and section of line, from Auto shop.

Not sure how successful the irrigation / dripper idea will be. Don't these thngs just flow one way, with a rubber washer inside to stop dirt (possibly restricting air flow) from being sucked back in.

I have to agree with what you said - from a suggestion about checking your filter to the "factory" fix, then to other fixes.
All very worthwhile, and thanks to everyone who participated.
Alan

[PerthDisco]

Not sure how successful the irrigation / dripper idea will be. Don't these thngs just flow one way, with a rubber washer inside to stop dirt (possibly restricting air flow) from being sucked back in.

There are several dripper varieties to choose from in my box of tricks. They all screw in which is handy. All are open to flow both ways.

The style I chose can vary the flow by turning the cap to completely closed. I used a middle setting and checked by sucking/blowing in it.

The flow comes up through the centre pipe goes around a spear through two 180 degree turns in the head so is a better design than the original in my opinion.

At least now I can screw the top off from time to time to blow it out.

As mentioned, you could very easily extend the hose around to the battery box and have the dripper head in there through a small drill hole. That would bring the job up to $1.

[Tinman]

Hi Guys just checked my09 D3 and has the original filter. Cut it off and you guessed it, it was blocked solid could not suck or below any air through it. I went with the supercheap version, so now back in buisness. I seem to recall my first 05 D3 did start too weep through the seals maybe this could have been the culprit that caused this problem.
Cheers

[DiscoJeffster]

Pulled my new genuine replacement apart (see image). Made by the Gore company (think Gore-tex). It’s a much larger surface area filter with extremely fine filtering (just look at it), plus by the restriction when trying to blow through it. And yes, $50 to my door [emoji52]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/708.jpg

[Tombie]

Keep in mind guys the volume change as things heat up and contract...

It’s actually quite significant even from 20c to 40c.

So the flow through that breather when you hit cold water will be significant, poor flow will lead to seals drawing in cold water when submersed *and* conversely the common oil bypassing the seals as it warms up issue is a result of the expansion and lack of flow..

[PerthDisco]

Keep in mind guys the volume change as things heat up and contract...

It’s actually quite significant even from 20c to 40c.

So the flow through that breather when you hit cold water will be significant, poor flow will lead to seals drawing in cold water when submersed *and* conversely the common oil bypassing the seals as it warms up issue is a result of the expansion and lack of flow..

Since all the old style breathers people have removed have been totally blocked the saviour must be a very tiny air volume as seal and diff failure rates should almost be on an epidemic level otherwise.

[Redtail]

Pulled my new genuine replacement apart (see image). Made by the Gore company (think Gore-tex). It’s a much larger surface area filter with extremely fine filtering (just look at it), plus by the restriction when trying to blow through it. And yes, $50 to my door [emoji52]
Was that an online store? If so, may we have the link?

[DiscoJeffster]

Was that an online store? If so, may we have the link?

Got mine from Rimmerbros.

[Tombie]

Since all the old style breathers people have removed have been totally blocked the saviour must be a very tiny air volume as seal and diff failure rates should almost be on an epidemic level otherwise.

Yes.. that may be the case. Perhaps it’s also few running them into cold water (shock) which will contract quickly!

[Lockee]

Wondered what that was when changing coolant bottle yesterday

[Russrobe]

Don't delay doing this job people, I just cut off my old filter and heard a big suction sound come from the pipe. Poor diff was starving for air. Off to the shops for a replacement.

God knows why I left it so long, even though the filter looks clean inside I couldn't blow or suck any air through at all.

[Disco-tastic]

Don't delay doing this job people, I just cut off my old filter and heard a big suction sound come from the pipe. Poor diff was starving for air. Off to the shops for a replacement.

God knows why I left it so long, even though the filter looks clean inside I couldn't blow or suck any air through at all.At least you know the diff seals are working!

[Russrobe]

At least you know the diff seals are working!Seeing as mine was clean, I'm going to track down the rear and replace that too. I can't see how it's any different, most likely completely blocked.

[DiscoJeffster]

Seeing as mine was clean, I'm going to track down the rear and replace that too. I can't see how it's any different, most likely completely blocked.

Let me know when you find it

[Disco-tastic]

Me too. I went looking and it seems to be around the fuel filler, but it appears you need to remove the wheel arch liner to get to it.

[Disco-tastic]

Anyone else managed to find the rear diff breather or the transfer case breather?

[Russrobe]

I ran out of time the other week when doing the upper control arms... It's still on my to do list though!

[hpal]

142115

[GregMilner]

Just happened across this thread, 6 months late, so I lifted the bonnet of my car (2016 year) to look for the front diff heather and found what I think is it. Based on earlier pics in this thread, would I be right in thinking LR already updated mine at original build?
Second question, is the filter itself inside the cap, and if so, should it be pulled apart and checked/replaced? I've done a fair bit of dusty/wet miles last year....142125

[cjc_td5]

Just happened across this thread, 6 months late, so I lifted the bonnet of my car (2016 year) to look for the front diff heather and found what I think is it. Based on earlier pics in this thread, would I be right in thinking LR already updated mine at original build?
Second question, is the filter itself inside the cap, and if so, should it be pulled apart and checked/replaced? I've done a fair bit of dusty/wet miles last year....142125

Hi Greg.
My D4 is a MY14 and has the same 90 degree bend filter arrangement as yours. I understand it is updated design?

[GregMilner]

Hi Greg.
My D4 is a MY14 and has the same 90 degree bend filter arrangement as yours. I understand it is updated design?

i assume it is Chris, but unsure that the updated design has removed the need to clean or replace the filter. Does anyone know?

[Disco-tastic]

i assume it is Chris, but unsure that the updated design has removed the need to clean or replace the filter. Does anyone know?My understanding is the updated part does not need to be serviced. The old part was not meant to be serviced, but the filter medium ended up being inadequate. The new filter is by Gore, who seem to be the leaders in breathable waterproof membranes, and I doubt you will have any issue with the breather for a long while.

There is a post earlier in this thread that shows a teardown of the updated filter, if you're interested.

Edit:
Post #37 (https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eaulro%2Ecom%2Faf vb%2Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Fp%3D2755743&share_tid=256850&share_pid=2755743&share_fid=669&share_type=t)

[Tombie]

Being inverted it also self clears a bit as it warms up..
And dust tends to fall away.

[DiscoJeffster]

The reality is the air movement through the filter is microscopic when you consider the air capacity of the diff and the filter size and that it’s only about air expansion or contraction. The new filter has nearly ten times the filter area and thus should not need help in its lifetime.

[Tombie]

Correct volume of gas in there will only expand by approximately 10% from ambient.

If the void is 1000cc then the breather will only need to handle 100cc

[NoosaMick]

Where do I look to find the rear diff and transfer case breathers? Also, is there a breather for the gearbox?