Stainless Axle Breather Vent Bolt

[snick]

Did some searching for this but couldn’t find one. Anyone have a link to one?

Backstory: I have removed the 7/16-20 threaded axle vent breather bolt from quite a few D44’s and 9” axle housings and most of them were corroded/rusted on the inside of the tube to the point of falling apart. I wanted to see if anyone knows of a stainless version that’s similar to the original design? I believe condensation build up in vent line is the main reason for the excessive corrosion. It seems like a stainless version of this part would be an easy part to add by one of bronco vendors or really any auto part vendor and preferred over the plain steel one that many vendors sell.

Here’s a link from one of the bronco vendors of the part. Many vendors have the same or similar part, just none in stainless.

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/66-79-ford-bronco-axle-differential-breather-bolt

 

[ba123]

I am using this one:
https://tomsoffroad.com/products/66-77-ford-bronco-axle-breather-tubes

Don't remember the material but not worried about it.

 

[DirtDonk]

Even the basic one should last decades. If you’re building fresh Broncos and taking care of them, they shouldn’t rust.
If you live in an environment where everything rusts, you could have one galvanized if it’s not already, or you could simply paint over the initial coating and to extend its life and hope for the best.
Use a good quality paint inside and out, and you should never have a problem. Even for the next generation of owners.

Sorry, I don’t know what ours is made of or costed with. Should be able to find out though.

 

[JB Fab]

We have them they are not on our website.
Would you like push-to-lock or barbed?
Just shoot me an email jonb@jbfab.net

 

[Steve83]

I believe condensation build up in vent line is the main reason for the excessive corrosion.

Condensation can't just happen - it requires 2 things:
1) a temperature difference, and
2) water on the hotter side.
The temperature difference happens when you drive: the bearings & gears moving generate heat relative to the ambient. So for condensation to happen, there has to be water in the axle. There should never be, which is why you're among the few having this problem. Stop the water getting in, and you stop the rust. Can you imagine what the inside of the axle tube looks like, if the vent tube is that rusty? The diff housing gets oil slung all over it by the ring gear, so it may be rust-free while the tubes turn to powder.

 

[snick]

Thanks Jon! Sent you an email