Breather Hose Repair Cost Guide
Valve Cover Breather Hose
Labor time: 0.5-1 hour
Typical cost: $62.50-$125 plus parts ($20-40)
Total estimated cost: $82.50-$165
PCV Breather Hose
Labor time: 0.5-1.5 hours
Typical cost: $62.50-$187.50 plus parts ($15-35)
Total estimated cost: $77.50-$222.50
Crankcase Breather Hose
Labor time: 1-2 hours
Typical cost: $125-$250 plus parts ($30-60)
Total estimated cost: $155-$310
Turbo Breather Hose
Labor time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Typical cost: $187.50-$312.50 plus parts ($40-80)
Total estimated cost: $227.50-$392.50
Note: Prices are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on vehicle make/model, parts availability, and additional repairs needed. All services billed at $125/hour labor rate.
Factors that can affect repair costs:
- Vehicle make and model
- Engine configuration
- Accessibility of components
- Additional damaged parts discovered during repair
- Parts quality (OEM vs. aftermarket)
Common Breather Hose Repair Procedures
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Hose
Repair Steps:
- Locate the PCV hose connecting the valve cover to the intake manifold
- Remove any clamps or fasteners securing the old hose
- Carefully pull the old hose from both connection points
- Clean the connection ports thoroughly
- Install the new PCV hose, ensuring proper fitment
- Secure with new clamps if required
- Test engine operation to ensure proper ventilation
Valve Cover Breather Hose
Repair Steps:
- Identify the breather hose connected to the valve cover
- Remove engine cover if necessary
- Disconnect any surrounding components blocking access
- Remove old hose clamps
- Remove deteriorated hose
- Clean mating surfaces
- Install new breather hose
- Secure with new clamps
- Reinstall any removed components
Crankcase Breather Hose
Repair Steps:
- Locate the crankcase breather hose
- Remove protective covers or shields
- Release clamps on both ends
- Remove old hose carefully
- Clean connection points thoroughly
- Install new crankcase breather hose
- Secure with appropriate clamps
- Verify proper routing and clearance
- Replace any removed covers
Oil Separator Breather Hose
Repair Steps:
- Identify the oil separator unit and connected hoses
- Remove engine covers for access
- Document hose routing for reference
- Remove retaining clips or clamps
- Disconnect and remove old hose
- Clean all connection points
- Install new oil separator breather hose
- Secure with appropriate fasteners
- Verify proper routing
- Test system operation
Important Notes:
- Always use OEM or high-quality replacement parts
- Check surrounding components for damage while performing repairs
- Ensure proper torque specifications when reinstalling clamps
- Verify no vacuum leaks after installation
- Consider replacing related components if showing wear
Note: These procedures may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and year. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions.
Types of Breather Hoses and Their Functions
Crankcase Breather Hose
What it is:A crankcase breather hose is a flexible tube that connects the engine's crankcase to the air intake system.
What it does:It helps regulate pressure within the engine by venting excess gases (blow-by gases) that build up in the crankcase during engine operation. These gases are redirected back into the intake system to be burned in the combustion chamber, reducing emissions and preventing oil leaks.
Valve Cover Breather Hose
What it is:This hose connects the valve cover to either the air intake system or a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve.
What it does:It allows gases that accumulate in the valve cover area to escape, preventing pressure buildup that could cause oil leaks. It also helps maintain proper engine ventilation and assists in recycling harmful emissions.
Transmission Breather Hose
What it is:A flexible tube connected to the transmission housing, usually extending upward to a higher point in the vehicle.
What it does:It allows the transmission to "breathe" as it heats up and cools down, preventing pressure buildup and protecting transmission seals. It also helps prevent fluid contamination by keeping water and debris out of the transmission.
Differential Breather Hose
What it is:A hose attached to the differential housing that extends upward into the vehicle's body.
What it does:It equalizes pressure in the differential as it heats up during operation and cools down when parked. This prevents differential fluid leaks and helps maintain seal integrity, especially during water crossings.
Fuel Tank Breather Hose
What it is:A specialized hose that connects the fuel tank to the evaporative emissions system.
What it does:It allows fuel vapors to escape safely from the tank as fuel levels and temperatures change, preventing pressure buildup. These vapors are captured by the evaporative emissions system rather than being released into the atmosphere.
Power Steering Reservoir Breather Hose
What it is:A small hose connected to the power steering fluid reservoir.
What it does:It allows air to enter and exit the reservoir as fluid levels change during operation, preventing vacuum formation and ensuring proper power steering system function.
Note: Regular inspection and maintenance of all breather hoses is essential for proper vehicle operation and preventing potential damage to various vehicle systems.
Common Failure Symptoms of Breather Hoses: Warning Signs to Watch For
Common Breather Hose Issues & Maintenance Guide
Valve Cover Breather Hose
Signs of Failure:
- Oil leaks around valve cover or hose connections
- Cracking or hardening of the rubber
- Engine running rough at idle
- Increased oil consumption
- Visible smoke from engine
Service Schedule: Inspect every 30,000 miles; replace every 50,000-60,000 miles or when showing signs of wear.
Crankcase Breather Hose
Signs of Failure:
- Oil leaks around engine block
- Whistling noise from engine bay
- Check engine light (due to vacuum leaks)
- Brittle or collapsed hose
Service Schedule: Inspect every 30,000 miles; replace every 60,000-75,000 miles or when deterioration is visible.
PCV Breather Hose
Signs of Failure:
- Rough idle or stalling
- Failed emissions test
- Oil in air intake system
- Excessive oil consumption
- Visible cracks or splits in hose
Service Schedule: Inspect every 15,000-20,000 miles; replace every 40,000-50,000 miles along with PCV valve.
Turbo Breather Hose
Signs of Failure:
- Loss of turbo boost pressure
- Oil leaks around turbocharger
- Burning oil smell
- Decreased engine performance
- Visible damage or oil-soaked hose
Service Schedule: Inspect every 20,000 miles; replace every 45,000-50,000 miles or sooner in high-performance applications.
Note: These are general guidelines. Actual service intervals may vary based on vehicle make, model, and driving conditions. Always consult your vehicle's manual for specific maintenance schedules.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
