valli80

Hello, I am a first time Ford truck owner and don't know much about trucks at all. As I was walking towards my truck last night I noticed a rubber hose hanging down from my rear axle on the driver's side and have no idea what it may be. Can it be a rear axle breather tube or differential tube? Is it supposed to be dried out? I don't know what it can be or whether its serious or not. Any input would be truly appreciated. In the past few days I noticed a cranky vibrating sound when I accelerate only, as if something needs to be lubricated. I wonder if this has something to do with it.

Thank you,
Frank
2001 Ford F150 Lariat
Screen Shot 2013-07-15 at 11.51.16 AM.jpg

BassAckwards

Looks like an axle breather tube. And if your truck is from 2001 and you think the noise is from your rear end it's well overdue for and oil change. Although it looks like someone may have already changed it seeing as how the cover has been painted.

ObsoleteE

Definitely your axle breather, replace that hose, and use a nail or drill bit to make sure the breather isn't clogged. DO NOT drop it into the axle, lol.

MyNameIdeasWereTaken

Sorry for revising such an old thread.

Where does the other end of this breather hose go? I found mine draped over the brake lines, but I'd like clip the other end wherever it's actually supposed to go.

fordguy2100

It attaches to the frame under the bed.... should be straight up from where it's plugged into the axle

white89gt

Yes, there should be a clip on the frame almost straight up from there. I can take a pic of mine when I get home tonight if that would help.

Jbrew

You would crawl under and take a pic for him ? That solves it, your my new photographer white.

Btw, I lost the clip deal long ago. Zip tie method works me. Also removed that stupid piece they have on the end of the hose for the clip. They plug up after awhile netting terrible repercussions for your rear gears and bearings. It can't breath, -have to breath lol. They work well when new though

white89gt

LOL... thanks Brew! That's an honor to be your photo guy.

Having a plugged vent will make quick work of trashing a differential, for sure. And the smell of that oil after it has boiled is just awful. It smells like natural gas. My next door neighbor called the gas company, then came and warned me she had called.... at that point realized I was making the smell, LOL. Yeah, it is one of those putrid smells that stays with you for a few days.... burns the nostrils.

Ever smell that? Icckkky!

MyNameIdeasWereTaken

Thankfully not clogged and breathing well. I'll just zip tie it like jbrew said.
I think I found where it clips, but it won't stay put. If the other end just has to vent and not feed to a sensor or something, I'll just zip tie it out of the way.

Thanks guys!

Jbrew

Called the gas company ROFL.