The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Rear End Vent Removal

I am trying to remove the vent from my rear axle to clean it, but I can't seem to get it out. I have read that it screws in, but I have also read that it is pressed in. Does anyone know for sure? I tried using needle nose pliers to grab the valve underneath the vent cover and unscrew it, but there are no flats machined on it so I can't get a good grip on it. This lead me to believe that maybe it isn't screwed in. I don't think they would not make a way to grab hold of it if it needed to be unscrewed, but I don't know. Anyway, any help would be great. Thanks.

** Don't know about a 59 but for sure it screws in/out of my 52.

Here is what they typically look like if that will help.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/14177411321/in/album-72157631868452754/

Nice, Brad

Thanks,

Thanks for the picture. That looks exactly like mine, but I don't have any flats to put a wrench on. Looks like I'll have to do some modifications to get it out. Thanks again!

Is yours plastic or steel? No hex/no threads and metal or plastic, is press fit, pry off.

It's steel.....and unfortunately still installed in my rear axle.

F*C, if it must come out you may as well get aggressive with it. I'd soak it with some Kroil, or 50/50 tranny fluid/diesel mix, then get a BIG pair of channel locks that you can get the grip you need on it and twist.
There are replacements available....JCarter or maybe its The Filling Station. I know I've seen them listed somewhere.
...and oh, just before you start twisting hit you thumb with a hammer to get you in the mood!
Let us know how it goes.

Gentle heat will release the rust holding it tight, or grind the cap off, use Easyout on the remainder after heating.

Ok, I'm trying to remove the vent on the rear axle of my 3/4 ton 1958 NAPCO. It was not doing its job. It seems to be pressed into the axle, after removing the cap, I was able to get a pair of vise-grips on it to turn it out and replace it. It turns very easy and does not turn out. I was able to free up the vent hole, but the cap was destroyed on removal.
I tried to pull and pry it (grip it with vise grips and pry) out with no success.
I could re-grip it and try to drill it out, but am not thrilled with this approach. Any suggestions?

When replacing go to some other type from a vendor other than old truck parts. I'd get things with no way to turn them?

I bought a vent assembly from local vendor, its an Alemite 304810. Plan to carefully remove the cap from the vent tube and re-crimp it on the free-spinning vent tube still in the axle. Still unknown how this tube is secured in the axle, it is definitely not threaded!

You don't have to remove it to clean. With the cap off, run a wire, rod or punch through the hole, using larger diameter until the tube is clear. Replace the cap. If the cap is not usable, make one from tubing just larger than the vent. Pinch one end shut and crimp the other end around the body. Crimp should leave the sides open, leaving room for the air to vent.

If you feel the need to remove one pressed in, heat the axle housing with a torch. This should expand the housing and break the seal.

If you need a replacement, go to www.McMaster.com/vents

I left the vent stud in the axle, cleaned it out and used a cap from an Alemite 304810. Used a crimp tool for cable TV ends to crimp the new cap edge over the old Chevy vent!!! Looks almost original.