Diff drain/fill bolts - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

phantoms · #16 10-26-2004, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

I worry about using Impact equipment on things which may not have been out in 20 years...
Seems to me like a possible way to break the differential ... didn't someone post a picture of a broken third member due to this ?
My comealong puts the pressure on slowly... It is also easier on old guys....

I would worry more about putting a continuous torque on it than a impact for removal. A impact will give it small jolts to help break it free, while if it's really seized a continuous load pulls more against the surrounding metal.

Now when it comes to installation, by hand is best as you have a feel for how much torque you are applying and a impact would try to keep jolting it in.

Habanero · #17 10-27-2004, 08:32 AM

I use my air impact on my diff plug and so far haven't had it break anything. I just turn it down pretty low and in a couple thumps the plug breaks free. Of course you always want to tighten by hand, but the impact sure makes removal a quick and easy affair.

SD Blue · #18 10-27-2004, 09:56 AM

Leathermang, I see someone else uses a come along for automotive work. I have done the same thing to reposition components during a front suspension rebuild. Old guys? I still tell the ladies I'm only 39!

tomm9298 · #19 10-27-2004, 12:02 PM

Today I went in search of a 14mm allen wrench. No luck!!

Are we sure the drain/fill bolts are 14mm? I went to AutoZone, Pep Boys, and Advance Auto. The largest anyone carries is 10mm. They have quite large SAE, but no metric big enough. Any ideas/suggestions will be appreciated.

Brian Carlton · #20 10-27-2004, 12:13 PM

Two possibilities:

14 mm = .551
9/16 = .562

.0055 extra needed per side. You might just make it if the manufacturing tolerances for the plug are a bit sloppy.

McMaster-Carr has the wrench you need:

p/n 7289A22 has a 5 1/2 inch arm. Price is $4.45

p/n 6958A2 has a 9 19/64 inch arm. Price is $5.88.

You are going to need a pipe on either one, so, the longer one is probably of no benefit.

You can call them at 732-329-3200 or www.mcmaster.com

dieseldiehard · #21 10-27-2004, 12:22 PM

Grangers has the individual hex keys in MM sizes, around $8 the last time I bought from them.
You could also buy the nearest larger sized SAE (inch) hex wrench and grind down the sides. I did this successfully in a pinch once, it was an odd fractional size wrench. If that is not an option (if you don't have a grinding wheel for example) you should be able to order a 14 mm 1/2 in drive from: http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SK-41414.html

BobK · #22 10-27-2004, 12:29 PM

Tomm9298, at Autozoo the 14mm is a hex driver bit for 1/2 in drive. It comes as part of a pack of three: 12,14 and 17mm. Great Neck brand. Autozoo part number:25417 $7.99.

Habanero · #23 10-27-2004, 12:34 PM

Got the same pack at autozone myself. Maybe you need to try different stores as I know there is some difference in what each store carries.

Rick Miley · #24 10-27-2004, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomm9298

Today I went in search of a 14mm allen wrench.

Wrench? No, you should be looking for a bit. The trick is to look for the package of three sizes stated above, not a single one. I got the same thing at Poop Boys.

boneheaddoctor · #25 10-27-2004, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Miley

Wrench? No, you should be looking for a bit. The trick is to look for the package of three sizes stated above, not a single one. I got the same thing at Poop Boys.

I need a 19mm to pull the plug on my block to put in a block heater.......doubt they have that size too.