svt13 Posted December 22, 2012 Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 So I found out that our axles all have a hole in it at the top on the left side where a breather bolt is suppose to be installed. When the axles are assembled and shipped to ford that manufactuer sticks a bolt in there that pressurizes the axle and keep fluids from pouring out if it were to be flipped over or moved etc..... Now when ford does their inspection they are suppose to remove this bolt and install a breather. Unless you have the track pack with the differential cooler then that requires according to Van a pressurized axle. My car has the performance pack but not the trackpack and we found my bolt was not replaced with a breather. This caused built up pressure which caused me to start to get a very slight oil leak out of my rear end. Obviously if the problem was not caught this soon the pressure would have built up till eventually something blew apart. So my warning to all non track pack owners is check your axles on the left side and make sure there is a breather in there and not just bolt. A breather if some of you don't know basically is a bolt with a very small hole all the way through it to allow air out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy49 Posted December 22, 2012 Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 Now when ford does their inspection they are suppose to remove this bolt and install a breather. Unless you have the track pack with the differential cooler then that requires according to Van a pressurized axle. Why does the TP require a non-vented/pressurized housing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Patten Posted December 22, 2012 Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 Why does the TP require a non-vented/pressurized housing? Good Question Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svt13 Posted December 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 (edited) Van told me because of the differential cooling system and the lines when I warned him about this. He said the TP cars need to have a pressurized axle because of the cooling. But everyone who doesn't have a track pack car should be going under their cars and checking to see if that is a bolt they have there or a breather. Edited December 22, 2012 by svt13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceman5000 Posted December 22, 2012 Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 I just looked at my dealers PDI instructions for 2013 GT500, there is no mention of this at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy49 Posted December 22, 2012 Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 Van told me because of the differential cooling system and the lines when I warned him about this. He said the TP cars need to have a pressurized axle because of the cooling. The axle housing needs to vented regardless of weither it is a TP or Non-TP axle. Pressure builds up when the oil is heated, Without the vent, pressure rises in the housing until it reaches a pressure that forces oil or air to push past seals and gaskets causing leaks. As far as the TP equipped cars are concerned, in a large majority of the cars equipped with the TP option, the rear axle never reaches the temperature required to activated the pump. The pump is used to circulated the axle oil from the bottom of the housing to the cooler and back to the housing. It is not used to pressure lubricate the gears. The gears and bearings in the housing are splash lubricated in both TP an Non-TP axles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy49 Posted December 22, 2012 Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 I just looked at my dealers PDI instructions for 2013 GT500, there is no mention of this at all. Does the PDI mention anything about checking brake/clutch fluid levels or the infamous flapping label on the drive shaft? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svt13 Posted December 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 NO this is not in the PDI hence why I made this thread. This is something FORD is doing wrong at the factory. If the rest of you have bolts instead of breathers then the quality check at the plant is lacking. It could just be my car or the batch my car was made or even the cars that day. Maybe the quality check guy at the plant was asleep that day I'm not sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svt13 Posted December 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 The axle housing needs to vented regardless of weither it is a TP or Non-TP axle. Pressure builds up when the oil is heated, Without the vent, pressure rises in the housing until it reaches a pressure that forces oil or air to push past seals and gaskets causing leaks. As far as the TP equipped cars are concerned, in a large majority of the cars equipped with the TP option, the rear axle never reaches the temperature required to activated the pump. The pump is used to circulated the axle oil from the bottom of the housing to the cooler and back to the housing. It is not used to pressure lubricate the gears. The gears and bearings in the housing are splash lubricated in both TP an Non-TP axles. ^This is exactly why I had leaks. I had leaks at the bolt and on my differential cover. I took it as the whiteline watts link failing. I raised all hell with whiteline about this but now it may not be their fault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
05mustangman Posted December 22, 2012 Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 SVT I completely agree with you that Ford is doing this wrong. I got a 2010 and I drive the car pretty gingerly around town and on the freeway. Took it on a trip from Phoenix to Vegas and just normal driving. When I got to Vegas the guys at Shelby took me out to look at the car on the lift and there was fluid all over the rear underside of the car. They explained that when you drive aggressively that it poses more of a chance of the axle fluid overflow. Funny thing is the car was never once driven aggressively during the trip. So I got an axle reservoir put in to solve the problem. But I would definitely recommend trying to get an axle reservoir put in if the diff cooler is not an option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy49 Posted December 22, 2012 Report Share Posted December 22, 2012 I was just looking at the Track Package and it states that the Track Package includes a relief vent. They don't go into the operation of the relief vent, so I don't know it is a pressure activated relief valve or a simple vent. Maybe someone with hands on experience will chime in and set the record straight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svt13 Posted December 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 Maybe the relief vent is the breather bolt? If not it is probably something pressure activated but I don't know where that would go. I want someone to check their car and see if they have a bolt or breather. I know the older mustangs all had breathers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Patten Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 The axle housing needs to vented regardless of weither it is a TP or Non-TP axle. Pressure builds up when the oil is heated, Without the vent, pressure rises in the housing until it reaches a pressure that forces oil or air to push past seals and gaskets causing leaks. As far as the TP equipped cars are concerned, in a large majority of the cars equipped with the TP option, the rear axle never reaches the temperature required to activated the pump. The pump is used to circulated the axle oil from the bottom of the housing to the cooler and back to the housing. It is not used to pressure lubricate the gears. The gears and bearings in the housing are splash lubricated in both TP an Non-TP axles. TRUE and the pump is controlled by the diff. temp sender as of when to pump or not. NO this is not in the PDI hence why I made this thread. This is something FORD is doing wrong at the factory. If the rest of you have bolts instead of breathers then the quality check at the plant is lacking. It could just be my car or the batch my car was made or even the cars that day. Maybe the quality check guy at the plant was asleep that day I'm not sure. Agreed - if you have a bolt instead of a breather - get it replaced with a breather ( bolt with a hole through it and a dimpled cap ) ^This is exactly why I had leaks. I had leaks at the bolt and on my differential cover. I took it as the whiteline watts link failing. I raised all hell with whiteline about this but now it may not be their fault. It's not Whiteline's fault unless they did not machine the backside of the cover properly . If you had leaking at the bolt on top of the axle tube it may be from overfilling the differential. SVT I completely agree with you that Ford is doing this wrong. I got a 2010 and I drive the car pretty gingerly around town and on the freeway. Took it on a trip from Phoenix to Vegas and just normal driving. When I got to Vegas the guys at Shelby took me out to look at the car on the lift and there was fluid all over the rear underside of the car. They explained that when you drive aggressively that it poses more of a chance of the axle fluid overflow. Funny thing is the car was never once driven aggressively during the trip. So I got an axle reservoir put in to solve the problem. But I would definitely recommend trying to get an axle reservoir put in if the diff cooler is not an option. Yes when the differential fluid warms up it expands which can be accomplished by driving hard OR by long periods of normal driving and yes a remote reservior IS an acceptable solution ( just like they put on the 2008-2009 GT500 KR models ). Just like when people overfill the transmissions and then experience an oil overflow/leak from the vent tube so they will find at the differential. Fill only the required amount as per the manufacturers specs not just filling until it runs out the fill plug prevents alot of these types of problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Patten Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 Maybe the relief vent is the breather bolt? If not it is probably something pressure activated but I don't know where that would go. I want someone to check their car and see if they have a bolt or breather. I know the older mustangs all had breathers. This is reference to the TP diff cover which incorporates an additional ( to the relief valve on the axle tube ) relief vent on the cover . In other words A TP setup has 2 relief valves - 1 on the axle tube and 1 on the diff cover whereas the non - TP vehicles should only have one relief vent which is located on the axle tube . The reason for having the additional vent is because of the aeration of the oil as it is pumped back into the differential center section . On older cars occasional checking of the vent is done to make sure it has not become clogged . In racing applications builders will drill out the hole size to a larger diameter and run an expansion tank . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squirrel 007 Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 The Ford Sterling axle plant I worked at for 36 years just put a plastic plug in the breather holes of the rear ends. They must put the actual vent plug in at the assembly plant. Somebody there screwed up apparently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
05mustangman Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 (edited) Yes when the differential fluid warms up it expands which can be accomplished by driving hard OR by long periods of normal driving and yes a remote reservior IS an acceptable solution ( just like they put on the 2008-2009 GT500 KR models ). Just like when people overfill the transmissions and then experience an oil overflow/leak from the vent tube so they will find at the differential. Fill only the required amount as per the manufacturers specs not just filling until it runs out the fill plug prevents alot of these types of problems. Thank you for the rundown on that, that clears up a little confusion on why it happened. That would be the situation I ran into would be driving normally from Phoenix to Vegas. I never knew about before because I never heard anyone have an issue with that before. So I was really shocked to see fluid everywhere. Previously the fluid was changed for Royal Purple fluid and done by Shelby. So I know it wasn't overfilled. But I would highly recommend for people to check their cars and take to appropriate actions to prevent the overflow going everywhere. Edited December 23, 2012 by 05mustangman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svt13 Posted December 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 The Ford Sterling axle plant I worked at for 36 years just put a plastic plug in the breather holes of the rear ends. They must put the actual vent plug in at the assembly plant. Somebody there screwed up apparently. I think who ever makes the axles plugs them with a bolt to make it sure oil doesn't leak out during transit. But when ford puts the axle in they need to remove the bolt and install the breather bolt. Clearly someone that day/week/ month w/e neglected to do this. Also another thing I want to confirm our differential covers are sealed with silicone correct and not a gasket of any kind? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squirrel 007 Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 (edited) I think who ever makes the axles plugs them with a bolt to make it sure oil doesn't leak out during transit. But when ford puts the axle in they need to remove the bolt and install the breather bolt. Clearly someone that day/week/ month w/e neglected to do this. Also another thing I want to confirm our differential covers are sealed with silicone correct and not a gasket of any kind? Yes, a machine puts the RTV on the cover in a pattern moving around the bolt holes then the cover is placed on the differential by an actual person. There are no gaskets involved. The breather holes are filled with a plastic plug, usually yellow in color, that is just pressed in by hand. No bolt used. Or some axles have a orange plastic plug that was screwed into the threads. Probably they use the orange one on the GT500. Edited December 23, 2012 by Squirrel 007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svt13 Posted December 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 Yes, a machine puts the RTV on the cover in a pattern moving around the bolt holes then the cover is placed on the differential by an actual person. There are no gaskets involved. The breather holes are filled with a plastic plug, usually yellow in color, that is just pressed in by hand. No bolt used. Or some axles have a orange plastic plug that was screwed into the threads. Probably they use the orange one on the GT500. Hmm well it seems on my car instead of a breather bolt with a plastic plug, I got just a bolt lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Patten Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 Maybe you got one of those " hangover Monday " cars - better give it a good look over for any other "special " features . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullens Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 Checked mine today.. just a bolt. The bolt is painted the same as the axle tube, like it's supposed to be there. I'm sure a TSB will be issued if there's a problem, just like the 2010's with the axle reservoir. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy49 Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 The vented bolts are usually topped with a crimped on cap, Is anyone seeing this on their car axle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy49 Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 I am not sure that this cover is used on the Non-PP cars, but it may be worth a look. This picture shows an alternate axle vent location. Upper right hand corner of the diff cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullens Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 I am not sure that this cover is used on the Non-PP cars, but it may be worth a look. This picture shows an alternate axle vent location. Upper right hand corner of the diff cover. Good catch. I just checked and there is indeed a vented bolt in that location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceman5000 Posted December 24, 2012 Report Share Posted December 24, 2012 I've been waiting all weekend for a phone call from a friend at SVT about this. He just got back to me and said that the axle itself is not supposed to have a vent bolt on it. The vent bolt is located on the differential as Snoopy has posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Patten Posted December 24, 2012 Report Share Posted December 24, 2012 Interesting , did he mention when they changed up from the vent on the axle tube to on the differential cover ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svt13 Posted December 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 24, 2012 (edited) Wait so then the bolt is suppose to be there? Should I take the breather bolt out and put that bolt back in? EDIT: now that I think about it I guess that's why no one had problems with the bolt in their cars since the breather was moved to the cover. Since I changed the cover and put the watts link I guess in my case then I have to move my bolt and replace it with a breather. So then is there any downside or benefit to having the breather on the cover or on the axle itself? Why did they move it? Edited December 24, 2012 by svt13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
07SGT2899 Posted December 24, 2012 Report Share Posted December 24, 2012 putting it in the cover moves it to a physically higher location and allows the fluid to expand more before it pushes out the vent. just a guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullens Posted December 24, 2012 Report Share Posted December 24, 2012 (edited) Wait so then the bolt is suppose to be there? Should I take the breather bolt out and put that bolt back in? EDIT: now that I think about it I guess that's why no one had problems with the bolt in their cars since the breather was moved to the cover. Since I changed the cover and put the watts link I guess in my case then I have to move my bolt and replace it with a breather. So then is there any downside or benefit to having the breather on the cover or on the axle itself? Why did they move it? You need a breather somewhere so if you don't have it on the pumpkin I'd leave it alone. Edited December 24, 2012 by mullens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy49 Posted December 24, 2012 Report Share Posted December 24, 2012 Mullens, When SVT13 went with the watts link, the kit included a new cover that wasn't drilled for a vent bolt. So he needs to either machine the new cover or replace the bolt in the axle tube with a new vent bolt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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