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Just match a wrench up to the plug. From what I remember it's about 11/16''...not sure. I filled mine with the housing on the bench, you may need a hose and funnel to get the additive in
A crescent wrench sometimes works; the Sears 8 pt sockets are best, they'll work on the square plug. If you round off that plug with a crescent wrench - then the real fun begins...
Amsoil makes a nice plastic hand pump to fill up differentials and transmissions that fits their bottles. Much neater and precise vs spilling fluid everywhere...
I purchased a complete set of 8 pt sockets just for this job, only to find that the plug would not fit any of the sockets. Too much casting flash or just too rough finished dimensions. Used a crescent wrench and all is good.
A 12 pt standard socket may fit...........you can try. Not certain of the exact size needed, but will be less than 1 inch.
A crescent wrench sometimes works; the Sears 8 pt sockets are best, they'll work on the square plug. If you round off that plug with a crescent wrench - then the real fun begins...
Amsoil makes a nice plastic hand pump to fill up differentials and transmissions that fits their bottles. Much neater and precise vs spilling fluid everywhere...
A cheaper alternative for filling is a 4 ft length of Tygon clear plastic tubing (probably 1/2 inch ID) and a funnel. Open end of hose goes into rear axle opening and the other end of the hose to the funnel............which you hold close to the passenger rear wheel. Then pour in your fluid.
Also works for 4-speed trans.............just may need a bit longer tubing length and then pour from the engine compartment. Quick and easy.
Both the rear axle and the trans fluid can be syphoned out the housings/case using the same tubing. Best to do this in the warmer months or use a suction gun if the fluid is thick.
8 pt socket has worked fine on both of my cars as recommended by Tom Parsons IIRC. Also works on the transmission drain plug.
Did the funnel in the engine compartment thing too. I have the stains on the garage floor to prove it. That's when I spent my life savings for the plastic hand pump.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 05-28-2017 at 09:10 PM.
8 pt socket has worked fine on both of my cars as recommended by Tom Parsons IIRC. Also works on the transmission drain plug.
Did the funnel in the engine compartment thing too. I have the stains on the garage floor to prove it. That's when I spent my life savings for the plastic hand pump.
That is why you put a oil drain pan under the axle or transmission. Maybe a few layers of newspaper also.
Used the Harbor Freight suction pump to put the lube in which worked better than I thought it would. Put (shot) the anti slip additive in with a medical syringe and didn't spill a drop.
I was also over in the hose pincher thread and for this plug removal, I highly recommend at least a new 200 piece Chinese tool kit, or improvise with something they use in hospital emergency rooms.
Ok, I read your comments and suggestions.
After hand fitting a few 1/2 in sockets, I found an 18MM socket fit best. With a six inch drive the removal was simple. I was reading post # 12 as I was approaching a Pep Boys. Six bucks, what a great idea (Gizmo). I held the bottle higher than the diff. and then opened the spout, easy peezy. The only spill was some additive from my shoulder tipping over my second bottle. DUH
I hand tightened the filler bolt, and then used the 1/2 drive to tighten the bolt. It seems that the bolt is slightly raised from the diff. and the filler tag, seems loose. Not cross threaded. I muscled the bolt pretty good, didn't want to snap it. any thoughts? Not leaking. Thanks again. Next time, I would do this job myself. No dealer involved. Unable to do my figure 8's today, downpour in upstate NY.
05-28-2017, 05:26 PM
