differential fill plug
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Kingfisher OK, USA
differential fill plug
My fill plug on the diff. won't come out so I can check my fluid level. To my knowledge, it hasn't ever been taken out. I have tried lubricants and rust dissolvers and such, and even put a cheater wrench on the handle of the rachet. It takes a 3/8 drive rachet end to take it out and it just keeps trying to strip the slot for the wrench out. Any suggestions?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
differential fill plug
I don't think you'd damage any of the internal parts. You might be doing more damage by not checking/changing the fluid. Just torch the area around the plug and take your time. You should be fine.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 0
From: Keweenaw Bay, MI
differential fill plug
I had the very same problem with the plug on my Lincoln Town car. What I ended up doing is putting a long breaker bar on the plug, 1/2" drive with a adaptor to 3/8" and used a floor jack to put pressure on the handle. It came loose right away. I started with a Jap breaker bar and it twisted the 1'2" drive right off. Then I used a Craftsman and that worked. Are Japanese tools a reflection of the quality of their cars? Anyway, good luck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
differential fill plug
You can vibrate it using a light hammer (don't use a maul) on a 3/8" extension. Clean all the dirt out of the square first, and tap on it for a few minutes, then hose it down with Liquid Wrench (or another penetrant) and tap some more. Every once-in-a-while, try turning it slightly. If it starts, don't feel like you HAVE to keep unscrewing it. If it binds, rinse it, and screw it back in, and rinse again with penetrant. Then back it out again and it should go farther each time.
