Bellow for diff

[bmac1996acc]

Anyone used bellows for diff's or transfer case instead of regular breathers. Seem superior to other breathet styles since they are completely waterproof.

http://www.trail-gear.com/creeper-breather

 

[Wrench]

9 bucks from poly http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/PSC-Vent-Bellow-p-17158.html

 

[Wrench]

But you can do the same thing with a simple party balloon and a zip tie.

 

[bryson]

But you can do the same thing with a simple party balloon and a zip tie.

These are WAY stronger than a balloon... They work well. I have used them on a buggy for years - never an issue, and never a leak. They were on both axles, and the t-case.

They are actually crankcase breathers from an Arctic Cat snow machine, and you can get them at the Arctic Cat parts dealers too. Not any cheaper though.

 

[Wrench]

Also they use them on E-Z-Go carts.

 

[bmac1996acc]

I see a ton of threads about where and how to run diff breathers. Seems like a wasted discussion if these perform the same function with no risk of water getting in. Anyone know of any reason not to use these?

 

[SandBug]

Hmmm

I see a ton of threads about where and how to run diff breathers. Seems like a wasted discussion if these perform the same function with no risk of water getting in. Anyone know of any reason not to use these?

IMHO the diff is designed to work on NO differential pressure (in vs. out). A bellow will lock air in and create a pressure or vacuum. This pressure differential will still try to equalize somewhere, and that somewhere will be at the birfs. Not good.

Maybe for mall cruising the bellows are just as good/bad as the OEM breathers, but when you intend to take your nicely warmed up diff into an ice cold stream you really want the axle to breath freely.

Don't have them yet, but breather extensions are high on my list as I'm sick and tired of changing oil-turned-snot after every wheeling trip.

 

[Wrench]

These are only for comp rigs. I would never put them on a DD.

 

[bmac1996acc]

These are only for comp rigs. I would never put them on a DD.

explain

 

[donutfj80]

These are only for comp rigs. I would never put them on a DD.

explain

They hold moisture (condensation) in. The front and rear axle in comp rigs get torn down, inspected and rebuilt many times a year. The stock breather lets the moisture out.

 

[bmac1996acc]

They hold moisture (condensation) in. The front and rear axle in comp rigs get torn down, inspected and rebuilt many times a year. The stock breather lets the moisture out.

Doesn't it also let moisture in?

 

[86tuning]

Doesn't it also let moisture in?

A diff can handle condensation because gear oils temperatures will increase at freeway speeds enough to evaporate small amounts of moisture.

Water ingress from swimming the axle is a whole 'notha can o worms.

Extending the breathers some more are simple, since they're already extended from the factory. Just takes a bit of hose and some time.

 

[Wrench]

explain

Meaning when they tip over they don't leak gear oil every where. That is the rules.

 

[bmac1996acc]

Meaning when they tip over they don't leak gear oil every where. That is the rules.

I guess I should've explained more myself. Sounds like a good reason to have them in competition but why wouldn't you use them on a DD?

 

[Wrench]

I figure it would constantly be under pressure. The pressure would keep building up until something popped.

 

[CJF]

why wouldn't you use them on a DD?

You've already been given several good reasons.

-breathing keeps moisture and pressure at ambient levels.

-Warm diff + cold water = bad juju if the diff can't pull in air to equalize pressure.

 

[bmac1996acc]

Yeah I was looking for multiple opinions so I could form my own.