Differential Drain Plug Stuck

[rob1]

Refill plug came out easy, but the differential drain plug is stuck. Car is cool but not cold. Any tricks?

[maxnix]

Must have an exact fitting Allen wrench.

Don't know how a steel bolt plug can get stuck too bad into an aluminum casting unless it was cross threaded.

[elwesso]

Theyre not allen... Theyre 1/2 in square thingy.

[maxnix]

Theyre not allen... Theyre 1/2 in square thingy.

Yep, memory goes quickly after 24 hrs. Even easier to get a good fit.

[rob1]

Everyone is saying to use a 1/2 inch ended racketed which worked fine for the refill plug, but even with a 3 foot pipe extension, the plug won't budge. I don't what damage the plug or worse the differential housing. I was hoping there was a trick like remove when care is cold or hot. The mechanic who change the fluid last time must of over tightened.

I am assuming traditionally counterclockwise for removal.

[elwesso]

Often what you gotta do is get your 1/2in drive wrench and give it a good whack with a hammer... Make sure its in there real good..... and then hit it..... Sometimes they need that instant blow to get them to go.....

[chinaonnitrous]

Exactly!! On older cars, a shock is sometimes needed to break that super ancient, corroded, crap around it bolt. Thats why impact tools are so useful. Throw the wrench in there, give the head a few hard bangs with a hammer to shock it, and whack the handle a few times too. That should help. Being cold would probably be the best, since metal somewhat expands when warm.

[maxnix]

Everyone is saying to use a 1/2 inch ended racketed which worked fine for the refill plug, but even with a 3 foot pipe extension, the plug won't budge.

I would say get a tool with the precise fit (square drives have rounded corners) and use the impact (hammer) method once the tool is properly seated with a light blow from the hammer.

[gniknave]

I had a little trouble getting my drain plug off too. I just put pressure on it, and then pushed and hit the wrench with the palm of my hand at the same time. Doing those two combined will get it off with ease.

.........[and please.... no minds in the gutter mmkay? ]

[chinaonnitrous]

h

I had a little trouble getting my drain plug off too. I just put pressure on it, and then pushed and hit the wrench with the palm of my hand at the same time. Doing those two combined will get it off with ease.

.........[and please.... no minds in the gutter mmkay? ]

now that you suggested it, that is kinda nasty........

[elwesso]

evan's mind is always in the gutter