Rat's
 

Tried to change the differential fluid this AM. Fill plug is stuck, even with a breaker bar. Fortunately, I did not drain it yet....I am sure the drain plug is stuck as well.

Dare I put a torch to it????

Tips

JCD

How long a breaker bar do you have. You may even need to slip a piece of pipe over it to make it longer. I have always arranged the breaker bar in such a way that I can push against it with my foot using my leg muscles. Works for me.

jcd,

I have never been able to budge these things without tapping with a mallet. I believe the plug is a tapered thread as there is typically no separate seal. So I put it back in snug as I can get it by hand and then tap is a flat or so tighter. Hope that helps. Jim

I use my legs. Still kinda hard but it'll loosen pretty quick.

Mine were VERY tight. So tight I thought they'd never move. Never needed to use a mallet or torch, I braced myself against the frame of the car and used an 18" breaker bar at angle for best leverage. It was not easy. For what its worth, if they are THAT tight, I would guess (a) last installed with an air tool, or (b) fluid has never been changed. If the fluid comes out dirty, consider using short drain intervals until it comes out clean.

Brian

Breaker Bar is only about 12"
 

But I did put a pipe over it to get it to just over 24".

I'll try tapping it with a mallet and giving it the old college try.

Thanks for the tips

Try to get into a sitting position where you can push on the end of the cheater bar with your legs/feet and you will have it.

Thanks Jim
 

I tried yesterday, but I am either too fat or too old. I did have the car up on ramps so I had access, but I could'nt get my feet on it.

This might be "the spirit is able but the body is.....we;ll old"

I bought my 14mm wrench at Graingers. I don't think it was over $12, something like that...

jcd,

How is it going? The first time I did this to one of my cars, it took a series of good whacks with the mallet to get it to turn about a quarter turn, after which it could be turned by hand with a little grunt, until it came loose. When I put the plugs back in, I am careful not to pound them in too far, but far enough to ensure they do not vibrate loose and fall out.


Just curious as I know how frustrating it is to have the car up on the ramps or jackstands, ready for some maintenance, and then finding out you are not equally ready for some reason. Good Luck, Jim

It's draining
 

I took a combination of a few whacks with an ax on the breaker bar, a 24" breaker bar, my legs and my son.

Almost had a problem with the hex rounding off on the drain plug. Here's trick I have used in the past and it worked. Put a paper towel over the hex socket and insert it in the hex "bolt". That held it tight enough so it didn't round.

After is drains for a while, I'll have new, probably the 1st time, differential fluid in.

Mission accomplished, and thanks for the tips and the moral support.

PS....Jim,,,,it was much easier than the motor mounts, but your encouragement was key in this job as well.

JCD

jcd,

Your car will grow to appreciate all this attention you are lavishing on it. I am convinced the plugs are put in with a mallet too, as they are all hard to get out, most likely to keep them from working out while you drive. It is a good thing the group publishes advice, like don't pull the drain plug until you get the fill plug out, or we might be seeing some real anxiety in stress. Glad you got the job done, Jim

Honestly
 

The tip I found on another post, take out the fill plug first, did help.

Has anyone experienced any problems after replacing the differential fluid in a car that hasn't had the fluid replace in the last 18 YEARS.....My dad's estimate.

I'll let you know if the car "blow's up" during my 40 mile drive to work.

JCD

Mine started to make some noise. This may be because of my use of synthetic fluid.

Brian

So Far, So Good
 

Made the commute in, no noise, smoke, fire, etc.

I just hope I can get home without incident as well.

PS, I used dino

JCD