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Rear differential fill plug stuck

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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 02:29 AM
  #1  
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From: Frederick Colorado
Default Rear differential fill plug stuck

Great news, another disaster has reared its head.

my rear diff fill plug cannot be removed. It appears to be welded shut by corrosion or something. I have tried every trick I know to get that rat bastard out. It's been hacked at before, and unsuccessfully at that - the hex head is badly rounded. I m trying a 10mm and an 24" breaker and I can't make it stay in the hole.

When the fluid drained it was pure milkshake - don't think it has ever been changed. The bottom plug was brutally hard to get out as well, but broke loose.

I have no idea how I'm get this problem fixed. Has this ever happened you before?
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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 07:01 AM
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Did you try PB Blast and Mapp Gas Torch?
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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 07:37 AM
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If all else fails I would drill out and retap the hole, just male sure you flush the Diff with solvent a few times to get all the chips out.
Good luck
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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 07:42 AM
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Try 50/50 Acetone & Tranny fluid..
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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 10:15 AM
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Next time, always take the fill plug out first. That's related to anything really. When I have a drain or fill plug stuck at work, I use an air hammer with a chisel bit. Very carefully of course.
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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by tentuna
If all else fails I would drill out and retap the hole, just male sure you flush the Diff with solvent a few times to get all the chips out.
Good luck
This will solve your problem. Take it to a pro and have them do it correct. My just is you are out for $150 plus fluids.
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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 11:03 AM
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I have air tools, and will jam a thin piece of metal into the plug to make the Allen fit tightly. Then I'll hit it with the big 300 lb-ft air hammer. I soaked it in aerokroil last night.

it almost can't be made worse at this point, so anything is an improvement.

Last edited by FOGeologist; Aug 25, 2018 at 11:03 AM.
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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by FOGeologist
I have air tools, and will jam a thin piece of metal into the plug to make the Allen fit tightly. Then I'll hit it with the big 300 lb-ft air hammer. I soaked it in aerokroil last night.

it almost can't be made worse at this point, so anything is an improvement.
Hold up on hitting it with the 300 LB hammer!

here is a tip that may help,
Visually inspect our hex tool for any damage or roundness, is your hex tool is not in perfect shape, replace it before the next step.
Run down to your local auto parts store and get a tube of Permatex Valve Grinding Compound (1.5 oz).
Thoroughly clean your NEW hex tool and diff plug with brake cleaner to remove any oil contamination.
The valve grinding compound contains sharp abrasives which should aid in the hex tool getting a bite on the diff plug.
Apply the valve grinding compound to the end of the hex tool and the hex in the diff plug.
Ensure the that your tool is not "rolling out" of the plug during the turning of the tool, you will need to use pressure on the tool while rotating to tool.

hope this helps,
Cheers
Goose





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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 69
Hold up on hitting it with the 300 LB hammer!

here is a tip that may help,
Visually inspect our hex tool for any damage or roundness, is your hex tool is not in perfect shape, replace it before the next step.
Run down to your local auto parts store and get a tube of Permatex Valve Grinding Compound (1.5 oz).
Thoroughly clean your NEW hex tool and diff plug with brake cleaner to remove any oil contamination.
The valve grinding compound contains sharp abrasives which should aid in the hex tool getting a bite on the diff plug.
Apply the valve grinding compound to the end of the hex tool and the hex in the diff plug.
Ensure the that your tool is not "rolling out" of the plug during the turning of the tool, you will need to use pressure on the tool while rotating to tool.

hope this helps,
Cheers
Goose
If the valve grinding compound trick does not work, find a set of these extractors and these should do the job . Try to find the best size extractor the will get a bite BEFORE you drill the plug...
These extractors are made by Neiko

Neiko 04204A Hex Head Multi-Spline Screw and Bolt Extractor Set



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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 01:19 PM
  #10  
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From: Frederick Colorado
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I've decided that my leverage is too poor, my tool set too inadequate, my experience is too limited and my patience too marginal for a successful outcome. I am taking it to a professional. Having the car towed now.

I have to say, that _________-_______ is stuck on like Thanos' glove.
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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 01:30 PM
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You probably just need a little heat.
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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 04:40 PM
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From: Frederick Colorado
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The professional has worked his bloody-minded magic and gotten my fill plug out. They are welding a nut to the outside and replacing it. $90 and change.
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