What is this part under the car?

1997 Transport Montana. Discovered that this ribbed hose was dangling under the car. I think it went into this round black ball located under the passenger side sliding door. I followed the other end of the hose to the engine compartment and looks like it terminates to a valve or something right by the washer fluid resevoir.
I have no idea what these parts do and how important it is to the car's operation. Help please.

Could this be the hose that carries the washer fluid to the rear window?

Test your rear washer to find out.

I think this is a vacuum canister line. Mine broke the nipple off and was dragging the ground. It should go to the sphere under the passenger sliding door.

Yes. That sounds like it. What does it do? Will something not work if I don't hook it back up?


I think this is a vacuum canister line. Mine broke the nipple off and was dragging the ground. It should go to the sphere under the passenger sliding door.

Adds extra "volume" of vacuum while engine is under load and the vacuum level is low.....Don't know if that is correct terminology or interpetation. I'll take another shot (without spilling any on the keyboard) Just don't stop in a puddle of water until the vacuum leak is plugged. heres to you. i'll take another round

The Vacuum canister also holds Vacuum so in the event of a stalled engine you will still have full operation of the power brakes for a brief period of time, Usually long enough to get the vehicle stopped. If you can get it fixed soon I would, Like the previous post it also builds extra vacuum for the engine, if the engine looses vac. it can begin to experience other operational issues such as poor running, acceleration and poor braking.