What is this hose?

[Josh03]

Hello all, new here. I have a 03 rubi and noticed this hose/ breather tube that looks like it was cut. It ties into a wire loom near the rear axle

 

[rasband]

Where is the other end? That will probably help narrow it down.

 

[Fitzpatrick]

Could be the breather tube for the rear axle goes up by drivers side rear tail light. Down to the nipple on the rear axle.

 

[Josh03]

Here is where it goes into wire loom (top) and bottom is just dead ended above axle tube

 

[Fitzpatrick]

is there a brass nipple sticking out of the axle on the driver side?

 

[Josh03]

I'll have to look when I get home, but I'm pretty sure I saw the vent tube for the diff was intact

 

[Vinman]

Is that not the hose to engage the locker?

 

[hosejockey61]

Looking at the picture you can see the axle breather tube is connected. I'd check to make sure the locker air tube is in place. Track down where the other end goes to. Just showing it in the loom doesn't provide answers.

 

[Josh03]

I'll have to chase it down this evening. Haven't used the locker for a while. Everything looked in place on the diff.

 

[Daryl]

Is that not the hose to engage the locker?

That or the intake for the locker pumps.

 

[rasband]

That or the intake for the locker pumps.

I bet you're right, looks a little thicker than the hose I remember running to the locker itself.

 

[Josh03]

If it is the intake for the compressor where is it supposed to route to? I would guess with the diff breather in the corner of the tub. This is my third tj but first rubicon.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

My Rubicon has two vent tubes attached to the fuel tank filler neck. They are very similar but IIRC one is fatter than the other. Anyway one goes to the axle and the other goes into the wire loom thing. I figured it was for the transfer case but the locker pumps sounds reasonable. Since yours doesn't make it to the fuel filler neck, checking where it comes out of the loom (maybe near the skid plate?) should be your next step. Maybe you only need to replace one end, hopefully not both.

 

[Josh03]

Just looked and it is coming from the compressor. I stuck my thumb over the end of the hose and used a broom handle to toggle the switch and if and sure enough its the compressor intake! still cant find the other end though. Should I replace the whole line? Does it run into the same place as the diff vent?

 

[Daryl]

Just looked and it is coming from the compressor. I stuck my thumb over the end of the hose and used a broom handle to toggle the switch and if and sure enough its the compressor intake! still cant find the other end though. Should I replace the whole line? Does it run into the same place as the diff vent?

You don’t need to replace the entire hose unless it’s lost it’s pliability. Just purchase a 5/16” vacuum connector and enough hose to run it up by the filler hose. You’ll also need a breather to keep debris out. Something like this:
Inline Tube INL11314 (C-7-4) compatible wth 1964-81 GM (all Models) Rear End Differential Axle Tube Vent Breather 3/8" Hole https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTTL6PC/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Josh03]

Thanks was worried about restricting the intake of the compressor.