Thread: replacement front diff breather Disco 3 and 4

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....IMG_0247.jpg

Originally Posted by 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....IMG_0247.jpg

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

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

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?

Originally Posted by GregMilner

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

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

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.

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