I bought my 2014 fx4 not 3 weeks ago and while I was under it cleaning the rust off the axle to prep it for painting I noticed there was no breathing tube anywhere in sight. The connection had a piece of a tube but the rest was no where in sight. I'm going to contact the dealership tomorrow but is there is anything I should say or request? First time dealing with a warranty work.

 

Just go buy some hose and run it yourself and save time.

 

That vent line goes from the left axle tube up to a vent attached to a truck bed reinforcement rib, at least that is how it is on mine (2014).

You are probably OK, but it does depend on what you have been doing with your truck. If you have been off-roading and had a lot of dirt and mud getting into that area of your axle or you have been in some deep water, then I would be concerned about contamination of the rear axle gear lube.

That hose is kind of up and out of the way, really puzzling how it became damaged/missing.

Good luck at the dealership!

--KLG--

 

I haven't done anything offroad yet but my biggest concern is when did it happen and what has happened since. I don't want to risk it.

 

I would only be concerned if the truck was being used used to launch boats.

 

When the axle is built and shipped a rubber cap is placed over the vent tube to keep dirt out during shipping. The installer needs to remove this cap and install the hose. Sounds like this didn't happen. I wouldn't make a special trip to have it fixed, but write it down so you dont forget and have it looked at when you take it in for something else.

 

Being that your cleaning rust off the rear axle ...I would assume it has seen water ...buy some hose and connect it and then service the rear end.

 

Most rear axles rust right off the lots on these trucks.

 

mine never rusted...guess it's where you live.

 

Went to the dealership and they installed a new hose. They tried to tell me it's didn't need one and I should be fine. I told them I was worried about contamination and requested a service on it. They told me to go back Saturday and they would probe it to check. Not sure what to take of this. But I want documentation just in case something happens down the road.