How do I remove the fill plug on the differential

[Globule]

I know I've located at the fill plug (I've seen numerous pictures) but I can't figure out how to remove the thing! It appears round, no socket fits over it either. What am I supposed to do, pry it off?

 

[RYC CUKR]

The fill plug has a 3/8" square opening in the center. You might have to clean it out. Basically you put an extention on a 3/8" ratchet and use that to unscrew the plug. They are usually in there pretty tight too.

 

[bullitstang1313]

Yeah it just uses a 3/8" opening for your ratchet or extension to insert into.

 

[JChalfan]

The fill plug has a 3/8" square opening in the center. You might have to clean it out. Basically you put an extention on a 3/8" ratchet and use that to unscrew the plug. They are usually in there pretty tight too.

I'm not sure if you can see it in this pic, but RYC CUKR's right, you just use a 3/8 extension on an ratchet. It may well be filled with a bunch of road crap, you might have to get in there with a flathead screwdriver and clean it out.

 

[RYC CUKR]

One more thing.

I have found that it is much easier to get to the plug if you have the back of the car jacked up and let the rear axle hang. That way the axle and the plug aren't as close to the underside of the body.

 

[stang&2Birds]

Yup, use a 3/8 racket end. For mine, I had the *clean* the center of the plug very well and HEAT it with MAPP gas. If it doesn't want to turn, use heat around the plug. Do not round out the center of the plug.

 

[HISSIN50]

I'd really recommend wearing mechanics gloves as well. More than one fellow member here has gashed his hand open when the plugs breaks loose.

I use a ratchet wrench and extension (non-wobbling if you have one), and I punch the wrench with the side of my fist (a hick impact wrench of sorts).

Good luck.

 

[Roland69]

if the 3/8 plug is rounded and the ratchet won't bite you can clean it up and weld a nut to it....then replace it with a new fill plug

 

[Shakerhood]

I'd really recommend wearing mechanics gloves as well. More than one fellow member here has gashed his hand open when the plugs breaks loose.

I use a ratchet wrench and extension (non-wobbling if you have one), and I punch the wrench with the side of my fist (a hick impact wrench of sorts).

Good luck.

I could not agree more, over the last several years I have learned to wear Mechanics Gloves for rough things and Purple Nitrile for any kind of Fluid changing. Its nice not having your hands all sliced up or smelling like gear oil all the time.