Topic: Extending the AX5 Vent

[Feetwet]

Hey Everybody. I changed all my fluids after a recent submarine adventure and got a nice milkshake out of the AX5. I pulled the shift boot and found a metal breather cap instead of the vent hose I thought I had.



I'd like to install a hose routed up to the top of the firewall, but this cap won't pop off, it just spins.
Can I just pry that dude off? Is there a nipple under there that will support a hose and clamp or do I have to remove the top of the shift tower and see what's what. Anyone changed this cap out before? Any help is appreciated. Thanks for reading this. 

[Feetwet]

I searched this subject 10 different ways and couldn't find the answer. The FSM does not address this issue.

 

[Bounty Hunter]

Pretty sure you can pry it off and install a hose/clamp.

BTW, not all AX5's have that vent.  Don't know where the trannies without the shift tower vent actually vent.

[Feetwet]

Thanks for the reply Bounty Hunter. After 2 days of searching on 5 different jeep forums, Google and the FSM, the only reference I could find are for the AX15. One writeup for an AX15 did have this type of breather but the consensus seems to be that they vent through the shift tower around the shift levers. Some folks have said they used a universal shift boot to seal the top of the tower, then drilled and tapped a vent hole of their own, but couldn't remember or supply info on this magic shift boot  . I'm going to attack that breather cap and see see if I can get a hose on there. I'll post my results. Could be breaking new ground here....

[TrailsLessTaken]

The forklifts I used to work on had those. You should be able to unscrew it, then just get a fitting that is threaded on one side and barbed on the other and just stick a hose on it, clamp it, and run it up the firewall and then get a breather cap like your axles have on their hoses to keep debri from getting in

[Feetwet]

Turns out that cap was just crimped on. It has a spring and rubber washer in it that seats on a little 1/2" nipple. Looks like I can mount a brass barbed fitting and some RTV into the orifice and clamp the hose to that. Off to the hardware store.

[Feetwet]

Well, here's the fix. At Advance Auto I bought a 3/16" Vacuum 90, 6' of 3/16" vacuum hose and a 1" hose clamp. About 8 bucks.I had some zip ties and RTV laying around.


Pull the shift accordian and inner rubber boots and the tunnel cover plate. ( if equipped ). Locate the metal breather cap on the front top of the shift tower.


Using pliers or vise grips, grab the top of the cap and gently rock it back and forth while pulling upward. The two small crimps should release and the cap will pull free. The grip collar on the new fitting is just a touch to big. Lightly sand the collar on one leg of the vacuum fitting. This end will go in the vent hole.


Apply a light bead of RTV to the sanded leg of the fitting and press it firmly into the vent hole. Point the fitting toward the left front tire.


Attach hose and clamp securely. Route the hose along the frame rail and up the firewall, securing with zip ties as you go.
 

I made a couple loops in the hose and zipped it to a nearby wire loom. Check valve may be installed at hose end if you choose.


That's it. Button up your shift console and on your way
 

[FourbangerYJ]

Good Job!

[Feetwet]

Thanks. I hope this can help the next guy who searches for this fix...

[Bounty Hunter]

Good info.  You're definitely in the rust belt

[Feetwet]

  Ha... Yeah, rust is an ongoing battle around here. I should have some stock in PB Blaster. 

[Clem]

Dumb idea... Why not put a check valve in it like the axles have if you are going to be playing in water?

I like your idea. Good work!

[Feetwet]

Clem, reread the text above the last pic.....The OEM breather location lets in any water deeper than the top of the transmission.

[Clem]

Clem, reread the text above the last pic.....The OEM breather location lets in any water deeper than the top of the transmission.

I understood that part of it... My question was why not put the check valve at the top of the extension- much like the OEM application with the axles? An open breather can let other things in besides water. For example, dirt, dust, mud, etc...

[Jeffy]

One option to hooking up a breather would be to get a T-fitting and run the transmission breather into the Transfer case breather.