C6 Base Differential drain plug blocked - HELP
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
C6 Base Differential drain plug blocked - HELP
Purchased a 2011 this past January. Making the rounds changing fluids. Differential has standard hex plug drain but it is totally blocked by brace. No way to use hex socket or allen wrench. The differential has a second plug on the same side as fill hole facing the rear of car. It looks like a standard oil plug adjacent to the hex drain plug. Did GM cut another drain plug? I can't find any thread with this issue. YouTube and How To pics all show the drain plug is accessable with standard hex socket. Sorry, no pics as I ran out of time and needed to garage Vette. I purchased a "stubby" allen wrench set that looks like it will clear the 1.5 inch clearance to the drain plug. I'll try the other bolt to see if it is indeed a drain but I was concerned it was a support bolt. Anybody else have this issue? Thanks
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 199
From: TX
You must have a 2005. In 2006 GM changed the differential and casing and moved the plug to a better location.
I also have a 2005 and ran into this same issue. I ended up removing the rear leaf spring. Wasn't difficult to do really, only added maybe 30 minutes total time to the job.
It sounds like you were able to get the job done, if now i will look for the video I found on how to move the leaf spring.
I also have a 2005 and ran into this same issue. I ended up removing the rear leaf spring. Wasn't difficult to do really, only added maybe 30 minutes total time to the job.
It sounds like you were able to get the job done, if now i will look for the video I found on how to move the leaf spring.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,587
Likes: 873
Sure sounds like an 05 problem. 06 up have a different design that clears the spring and allows a socket wrench even on it.
This site has pics which show how dramatic the difference is on an 05 vs every other year after.
https://www.southerncarparts.com/cor...nge-pm-43.html
This site has pics which show how dramatic the difference is on an 05 vs every other year after.
https://www.southerncarparts.com/cor...nge-pm-43.html
Last edited by SladeX; Aug 7, 2018 at 11:44 AM.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Sure sounds like an 05 problem. 06 up have a different design that clears the spring and allows a socket wrench even on it.
This site has pics which show how dramatic the difference is on an 05 vs every other year after.
https://www.southerncarparts.com/cor...nge-pm-43.html
This site has pics which show how dramatic the difference is on an 05 vs every other year after.
https://www.southerncarparts.com/cor...nge-pm-43.html
I'll get pics this weekend but this is definitely an anomaly. Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 100
From: Nova Scotia
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 100
From: Nova Scotia
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,371
Likes: 5,246
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Articulating/Swiivel arm socket wrench with an extension made it pretty easy for me to get at the drain plug.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 100
From: Nova Scotia
recip saw isn't the best tool for cutting an allen key, use a zip disc on a mini grinder