Here is the senario this is a 67 289 coupe with automatic trans C4 I think.

When I had my rear wheel off to check the brakes I noticed something on the rear axle. A rubber hose about ½ diameter that came down from the trunk area I did not trace it all the way up to see where it goes and the loose end should have been attached to the rear axle. The hose had broken and was hanging free (marked in red in photo see the black arrow and red circle for where it attaches on the axle)

I removed the broken end and the hose clamp off the axle and reattached the hose to the axle. I’m trying to figure out what it is. When I checked the shop manual I found a diagram (see attached). The only thing I can find that looks like it is labeled Breather. I did not find any fluid in the line. I assume it is to vent out gasses or something from the rear axle. Is there anything that I need to check for damage, I don’t know how long the hose was unattached?

I was also curious what the other two lines are that go to the axle, they are just below the red circle in the close up photo. Also how can I tell what size rear axle I have?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

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someone attached a tube to the breather in case any fluid came out...there should ba a bottle at the other end of the tube to catch the grease. That is common for racers

 

looks like an 8 inch

 

yup its a breather

 

I think mine has that also. I remember seeing the line back there and wondering what it was.

 

Yeah Doc, that is where the breather tube attaches to the axle. Here are a couple of pictures of mine to show you where both ends attach. It is not for racing, and there will be no bottle attached at the other end.

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[IMG]local://upfiles/10034/2DEB2BCF60C04334852B150F9FE97A71.jpg[/IMG]

 

Thanks everyone for the responses.

So it seems that it is no big deal that the tube was unattached for a while since it is only for air or grease to escape. I suppose it means that a little dirt may have gotten into the rear axle but not much, in any case it is attached now. I guess later I'll follow the other end to see where it goes, and probably replace it with some new hose, probably when I get aroung to replacing the rear leaf springs.

Now that brings me to another question about the front ball joint but that will be in another post. There is always someting when you have a 40YO car.

 

I need to replace mine as well. Im just gonna take a 2-3 inch piece of hose and stick it on there instead of buying the replacement thing..

 

the hose is there to keep water out while still leting pressure go.

 

and it should have a one way valve lookin thing at the other end.. not just an open hose.

Think about it. As gasses, fluids, and metals get warmer, they expand. A rear end gets alot hotter than you think it does on a long trip. Especially with new gears in it.. So if it were sealed up with no vent tube, it would push air and lube out the axle bearings and pinion flange, since that is the only way out with a good gasket on the cover/thirdmember. We dont want gear lube on the brake parts as that makes it very difficult to stop.. So to release the pressure a vent is installed.

If you are concerned about dirt getting in, then simply drain the lube and replace it.. Mind you it is a smelly and somewhat un-fun job to do. Just heads up on it.. Fill to the bottom of the fill hole, I usually put it in untill it runs out the fill hole, then I put the plug back in.

Have fun and post up some pics of that ride of yours.. Havent seen it yet have we?