What is this piece hanging off the rear axle/diff?

[DJurgy]

2012 Rubicon, stock axles and lockers.

I noticed this piece dangling free today. What is it? It doesn't look broken, rather looks like it was removed and not re-installed. I recently had work done on the rear locker (replaced actuator and indicator).

I haven't tested on a trail yet, but according to the dash indicator light, the rear locker is working.

 

[Yittzy]

that's probably your vent tube or breather. keeps pressure from building up in the diff. mine hangs down like that too. if it's cracked or loose you'll get water in there which is bad. should be tucked up and secured ideally but a lot of people just leave em hanging lol

 

[DJurgy]

Here are some more pics. I think I identified the breather tube? (green line)




The dangly piece in question seems to just be a fastener that holds wiring. It looks like it should be bolted to the diff cover.


I found this pic on the internet of the piece secured to the diff cover along with the wiring attached to it.



Here's another shot of the wiring that's attached to the loose fastener.

 

[TRevs]

Mine is bolted to the diff cover with the 12 o/c and 1 o/c bolts. Just holds the wiring loom

 

[Mopar]

Yep whoever last changed the diff oil by removing the cover forgot to put it back on. Remove the appropriate bolts and put it back where it belongs