Buggered Differential Plugs
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 300
Likes: 34
From: Bella Vista, AR
Buggered Differential Plugs
I purchased my 99' Vert this past May and have been in the process of replacing all fluids. I got under the car this morning to remove the diff plugs (to change the differential fluid) using a 10mm allen and discovered that the plugs (both) had been mangled previously by what appears to have been a torx wrench. The torx looks like it was pounded in leaving the tell-tale marks on the side of the plug! I tried to remove the plugs, but have been unable to get a good "bite". The 10mm wants to spin inside the plug. I'm going to take this to a shop so that a pro can deal with it and then replace the diff plugs with new. The previous owner told me all work had been done by the local dealer. I can't believe a dealer or anyone for that matter would do this, kind of blows my mind. 
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 72
Likes: 3
From: Reno NV
I purchased my 99' Vert this past May and have been in the process of replacing all fluids. I got under the car this morning to remove the diff plugs (to change the differential fluid) using a 10mm allen and discovered that the plugs (both) had been mangled previously by what appears to have been a torx wrench. The torx looks like it was pounded in leaving the tell-tale marks on the side of the plug! I tried to remove the plugs, but have been unable to get a good "bite". The 10mm wants to spin inside the plug. I'm going to take this to a shop so that a pro can deal with it and then replace the diff plugs with new. The previous owner told me all work had been done by the local dealer. I can't believe a dealer or anyone for that matter would do this, kind of blows my mind.
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While anything is possible, I too find it hard to believe that a dealership would not use the proper tool to remove the plugs. Hope you can get them out without too much hassle.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
I purchased my 99' Vert this past May and have been in the process of replacing all fluids. I got under the car this morning to remove the diff plugs (to change the differential fluid) using a 10mm allen and discovered that the plugs (both) had been mangled previously by what appears to have been a torx wrench. The torx looks like it was pounded in leaving the tell-tale marks on the side of the plug! I tried to remove the plugs, but have been unable to get a good "bite". The 10mm wants to spin inside the plug. I'm going to take this to a shop so that a pro can deal with it and then replace the diff plugs with new. The previous owner told me all work had been done by the local dealer. I can't believe a dealer or anyone for that matter would do this, kind of blows my mind.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
I would get a tool that "almost" gets a good bite or at least fits in the plug fairly deep and snug... then I would get some JB Weld and fill the hole... push the tool in and let it set over night and see if she'd back out... just a thought.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 300
Likes: 34
From: Bella Vista, AR
That is a possibility. Do they make "easy outs" big enough to tackle these plugs?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: SoCal CA
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