stuck diff plug
 

I am having trouble getting the diff fill plug out. It simply won't budge at all. I have only had the car 12 months and am keen to check on the oil level. Is there any risk of breaking anything if I use more force?
Greg

Re: stuck diff plug
 

No, you.re not likely to break anything. Just use the longest lever or extention on your removal tool, It will give. Just make sure that your driver has a good snug fit in the fill plug. Good luck.

Re: stuck diff plug
 

As Runnerbun said the main thing is a good fit with tool to the plug
you can also heat round the plug a little just go easy with the heating

Re: stuck diff plug
 

Times 3 on the good tight fit.

Re: stuck diff plug
 

If some of the threads stick out, just put a serious ding on the side with a center punch, then angle the punch & rap it HARD, to break it loose.
Bill W.

Re: stuck diff plug
 

A hand impact driver with a tight fitting adaptor? A of course use a Big Hammer :-) times 2 like what Bill said

Re: stuck diff plug
 

Re: stuck diff plug
 

B.H,
My most commonly used hammer is a 48 Oz Ball Pein, with a 2/3 length handle, for BETTER control:D
Bill Hammer

Re: stuck diff plug
 

once u go dead blow youll never look back

Re: stuck diff plug
 

If the hole is rounded out, you can take an old Vw wheel stud, grind it to a tight fit then use a socket and the hand impact wrench.

Re: stuck diff plug
 

Don't forget to apply some penetrating oil the day before.

Re: stuck diff plug
 

Bro Mitch, Bro Dog:cool: heer,
Duz thet meen Dad wuld hit himself in the haid & NEVER look the SAME agin? Or never be able to look back agin? NOW, you got me worried:confused: On COLD nights, I NEED him!
Buster T.:cool:

Re: stuck diff plug
 

Two things..

One, make sure you have dug out all the dirt and grime from the 3/8" square hole in the plug. All the way to the bottom.

Then, using a 3/8" drive socket wrench with a long extension, the plug will probably come out.

Did just this on mine a couple days ago.

Larry Jenkins

Re: stuck diff plug/ get it clean
 

yes to thoroughly cleaning out the plug...use your dental picks or whatever, but get it clean, side to side and top to bottom.
I have used an impact wrench basically set to off (very, very low) and just let it chatter away until it spins out.
The acetone/ ATF mix might help loosen things for you also.

Re: stuck diff plug
 

3/8" square drive will often work, but the correct size should be 7/16", so try to find a piece of 7/16" square shaft, or a 7/16" square head bolt, then weld a T handle to the bolt head.

Re: stuck diff plug
 

Couldn't you double nut two 7/16 nuts on a bolt and use that?

Re: stuck diff plug
 

Yes, it's worth a try. I used a 7/16" square head bolt and clamped onto it with a Vice Grip when I didn't have my correct tool with me.