phDiesel

Took my car to get the gear oil changed and the drain plug is marred so much it'll have to be chiseled out.

Anybody have a source for replacements or have the thread pitch so I can possibly find a suitable replacement online?

I emailed Bill at Z51 to see if he had any solutions.

Any help is much appreciated.

WVZR-1

From a VW dealer "local" but be sure to mention 17mm HEX - VW changed to a specialty plug later but still offer both

*** PART # HAS BEEN CORRECTED:

WHT-001-937 should be very likely $6 or less. No VW dealer - I believe Audi will do the same part# sequence.

phDiesel

You're a life saver.

phDiesel

I just contacted my local VW dealer and that Pt Number didn't cross with anything, or with Google for that matter.
That's 100% the right part?

WVZR-1

Damn TYPO - I've been buying that plug for years and just hit keys and paid NO ATTENTION!!!

WHT-001-937

https://www.google.com/search?q=vw+wht-001-937&ie=&oe=

phDiesel

Hahahahaha.
I kind of figured so I did a search for
"Hex VW WHT-001-" and it managed to find it.
Local VDub dealer had it for $4.40 per unit. I ordered 3 lol and they'll be here Tuesday.

Thanks again!

1985 Corvette

Not sure if it's standard protocol or not but before you install the new drain plug, put a dab of thread sealant on the plug before threading back in. Mine is still in good shape but I've noticed a drip of fluid that has become routine if the car is running.

mtwoolford

anytime you screw steel into aluminum use something on the treads; it might be Teflon pipe dope, anti seize, even RTV or grease or if your really concerned about vibration / loosening, blue (or even red) Loctite...the point being once the steel and aluminum react and form a chemical bond, only heat...as a small oxy acetylene...will break that bond. I helped my buddy pull all the drain plugs from his 4x4, all broke loose except one...and that one defied six sided sockets, breaker bars, impact wrenches, pipe wrench until there was nothing left but a nub. heated the steel plug to a dull red, let cool, and it backed right out...but believe me you don't want to be in this position...a little more heat...and "poof" the aluminum will melt.

rocco16

Don't know where this came from, but it is entirely untrue. Ferrous and aluminum alloys do not form a "chemical bond". They don't form any bond at all, unless it is mechanical (caused by damaged threads). There are literally billions of steel bolts threaded into aluminum engine blocks/heads that are not "bonded".
If I had a damaged ZF6 drain plug, I'd just weld a 3/4" hex nut on it. The heat will help break it loose and you can easily turn it out with a regular socket and ratchet when it cools. You could also reuse it while you are waiting for a replacement.

Churchkey

30 second time out!!

Make sure that the fill plug can be removed before draining the trans.

DVNCI

I just purchased a couple of plugs from Bill at ZFDoc, but there are plenty of aftermarket options here.

I believe it's an M24x1.5, I will confirm once I get new plugs from Bill.

Here's an M24x1.5 with hex nut:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/23117527440/

Here's a magnetic version - I'm probably going to start buying these (although Bill informed me there is a large magnet in the ZF case that is very close to the drain plug):

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-part...012301127fmag/

phDiesel

Bill got back to me and I'll be putting a few on order with him hopefully today.
I'd rather keep the money in the family if I can even if it's small.

WVZR-1

I wouldn't think either of the "external HEX" options would be desired. A correct plug I believe when installed leaves 2 - 3 threads exposed so 2 - 3 threads + the HEX I'd think a nuisance for a driver and maybe actually could create potential damage in an extreme collision with a road hazard.

haxxx

After I changed my fluid I noticed a drip that developed. I backed it most of the way out and wrapped it with some teflon tape.

DVNCI

Hmmm that's a good point about the hex being exposed . . . . my car sits so low that's how I mangled my existing plug.

9T3VETTE

Great info, thanks guys. I've been looking for a source on these for awhile.

TorchTarga94

I bought two plugs from Europa auto parts last year using WVZR-1's part number. Paid under $6.00 for both plugs.

mtwoolford

all I know is what experience has taught me; in the case I described, there was no damage to the threads, and heat, dull red, or as you suggest, by welding, did the trick. I'm in the marine industry and I've pulled hundreds of bolts, studs, plugs from various materials, ferrous and non ferrous, and I believe in my heart of hearts, that some form of chemical, ionic bonding can take place making a an untreated fastener, even if not over tightened and with undamaged threads, impossible to remove until heat, and a lot of it, destroys that bond.