Hey guys,

I'm trying to change the fluid in my 1997 with a manual transmission. While taking out the fill plug on the side of the tranny I broke my ratchet. The sucker is in there tight. I was just wondering if maybe these things are left handed threads? Also, a 3/8 ratchet fits in there perfect (with no socket, just the square ratchet), is that how its designed or am I using the wrong tool?

I'll try to soak it in wd-40 and try to hit it with an impact wrench rather than a pry bar, but if that doesn't work is putting some heat on the bolt a terrible idea?

In other news, after all these years slamming your funny bone into the transmission is STILL not funny!

Thanks

 

I bought an attachment at Sears. I haven't used it yet and don't remember the price. Perhaps I wasted my money?

 

That is about the right size. Sometimes you can find those square "hexi" type tools, but the ratchet works just the same. They do get corroded up in there on the outside, so the penetrating oil is the best approach! Not many people ever really service their manual trannies, which is why you are having the fun you are now! LOL!

 

I had the same problem. DO NOT USE air tools! I did and began to round it out. I ended up putting my ego aside ( was pissed off having to) and took it to jiffy lube. It took four trained pros taking turns 20 mins to get it out! About heating it, i cant say. Id say go for it but it is a transmission...

 

Jiffy lube = trained pros?????

 

Could not have said it better myself.

 

Boy i stepped in ****** with that one didnt i?? Lol

 

Get a breaker bar.
I have a 18"long handled ½"drive.
Use an adapter to 3/8"
Add a cheater pipe if needed
Tap REASONABLY on the bar with a hammer to jolt the drain plug
Apply torque counter-clockwise
Remember Lefty loosey
Righty tighty

 

lol fo sho'

 

How about the best fluid for the manual tranny and transfer case?

 

Don't put fluid in the side. Pull the shifter loose and fill it from the top.

 

Exactly!!!!!

As for fluid, I like royal purple.. Pricy but I like to make sure all is well under there! Viscosity.. Keep it light. Too heavy and its a sonna gun to shift in the cold!

 

use a penetrating oil. wd 40 is a water displacement fluid, not penetrating oil.
and the lube for the ZF-5 speed and transfer case is automatic trans fluid.

 

ZF spec calls for synthetic ATF.

And there's a reason (actually, thousands of reasons) they call it "Iffy Lube".

 

WD-40=water displacement after the fortieth try.