Just guessing here, but as the breathers are approx hald way along the side of the axle with the longer 1/2 shaft. maybe the rust is simply the damp air getting in via the breather banjo?
Good call. Took off banjo and completely blocked. Took out short shaft and no rust. The inside of the axle tube on the breather side has a lot of rust on it. Also had to order 2 new stub axles because of scoring and pitting. Turning out a bit expensive this oil seal.:(
 
Good call. Took off banjo and completely blocked. Took out short shaft and no rust. The inside of the axle tube on the breather side has a lot of rust on it. Also had to order 2 new stub axles because of scoring and pitting. Turning out a bit expensive this oil seal.:(
Good call @lynall
I thought the breathers were to allow for the expansion of the air in there due to the oil heating up due to friction from the diff. Presumably, if the breather was blocked, it has been pulling damp air through the axle seals ( long side) which has been condensing and causing rust. The breathers obviously allow the axle to simply breath and remain condensation free as well as allowing expansion and contraction.
 
Good call @lynall
I thought the breathers were to allow for the expansion of the air in there due to the oil heating up due to friction from the diff. Presumably, if the breather was blocked, it has been pulling damp air through the axle seals ( long side) which has been condensing and causing rust. The breathers obviously allow the axle to simply breath and remain condensation free as well as allowing expansion and contraction.
I also thought the breather was just to relieve the pressure through expansion of oil. The main tell tale of a blockage being oil stains over the wheels. I never thought of condensation.
 
I thought the main function of the breather was to allow air to enter the axle when a warm axle went into cold water, otherwise water could be pulled into the axle through the seals on the hub.
Not just a puddle, but where the vehicle had driven on the road (say) and then entered flood water or similar.
 
I thought the main function of the breather was to allow air to enter the axle when a warm axle went into cold water, otherwise water could be pulled into the axle through the seals on the hub.
Not just a puddle, but where the vehicle had driven on the road (say) and then entered flood water or similar.
I've no idea really.
 
And mine, and for sure many others. Once every six months I have a mahoosive clear up...4-5 weeks later it's back to normal. Amazingly, always seem to find whatever tool/part I'm looking for :)
@v8250 , soon be time for a tidy up.
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:D
 

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