Front Diff Breather Hose Fell Off

Curious if anyone has had a front diff breather hose pop off the nipple on top of the front diff?

Noticed some gear oil on the ground and thought I would be doing an axle seal.....but found the rubber vent hose off the nipple. Of course you can not get your hand in front of the diff to put the nipple back, so about 30 mins with pliers and two long flat bladed screwdrivers I got it back on.

Sure made a mess of the rear skid plate when the tube fell off and vented oil everywhere.

 

I'd add a zip tie to secure it. hose clamp would be better, but since space is an issue, a zip tie is quicker and would be simple. May need replacing after a few years depending on what climate you live in.

As for the hose, it may simply have gotten worn, got hot, rubber has become softer and with some mild back pressure, popped off. I would ahve replaced with with new to be sure.

 

My breather was clear and appeared operable as was the transmission breather. The truck is only three years old and the rubber tube seemed pliable and not cracked.

The front diff was replaced about 20,000 miles ago so that line has been off in the past. It’s a long shot but perhaps it was not fully seated and finally worked it’s way off.