I have my 18 inch breaker bar and my 14 mm hex socket ready to remove my differential plugs. They are really tight and I'm a bit afraid of breaking something (I don't care about the tools...only the car).

Does anyone have any experience...do you remember about how much force it took? 50 ft-lbs, 100, 150??

Any tips?

Thanks
Joe

PS...glad to see the board alive today!!

I got mine off using my long torque with alot of force to get it off. Be sure to get off the top one first because if you only can get the bottom one off your are not going to have a good day.

It was really on there.


bob

Bob's suggestion about the refill plug is VERY important.

One thing I found that helps is to back the car up on ramps.
You'll have more room for breaker bar leverage.

Hi Joe,
It's not so much the "force" required as it is "how" it's applied. I've seen a lot of people break tools trying to loosen things by applying gradual force. What you need to do is give it a sharp yank ("scare it loose"). If you can't get enough leverage, use your foot against the bar. Don't worry...I've never seen a differential drain or fill plug break :).
Regards,
Randy D.

Just a follow up...The plugs have been removed. Randy D was right on. It took a sharp jerk on the filler plug with the breaker bar and it snapped loose. The drain plug was not really tight.

Everything's back together, and that's one more thing off the list.

BTW, I did find the 14 mm hex socket at Autozone...7.95 for a 12mm, 14mm, and a 17mm.

Thanks guys

Joe

I remember years ago my brother-in-law asked for my help to remove an axle nut on his VW bug. No way could we get the sucker loose. We put both our heads together and backed the car onto a cement pad, removed the rear wheel, put a 36" cresant wrench on the nut, started the car, put it in gear and cracked that 36" wrench to pieces! :)

Robby

I just KNEW that if Robby responded to this thread, it would be a good story... I had to look... And I was right! Sounds familiar, Robby!