can't access differential drain plug !?!
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
can't access differential drain plug !?!
went to drain the differential and I can't get the hex socket into the plug. i have tried a 6" long extended hex (the hex is 6", not just an extension) but the hex-hole on the plug is partially covered by the mono spring so i can't get anything in there. is there something I am missing here? Is something out of whack? Help!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Have you tried a plain old Allen wrench. They are inexpensive enough that you can cut it down on the short length with a cutoff wheel and it will fit just about anywhere.
Be careful. REMEMBER,, theres an aluminum washer on the plug. Sometimes they either stick to the case and fall into the drain pan or on the floor.
Bill
Be careful. REMEMBER,, theres an aluminum washer on the plug. Sometimes they either stick to the case and fall into the drain pan or on the floor.
Bill
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
Do a search for "changing differential oil" and you will find a detailed post by Vet dated 09-11-2006 which addresses the drain plug access on the 05 models, showing pictures and how to remove the plug.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 568
Likes: 4
From: Cambridge
Did this job yesterday and not for the first time. I could get an Allen wrench (10mm) on there fine but there was no way it was turning in those tight confines.
I ended up doing the following.......
Raise car on stands/ramps.
Remove rear wheels
Disconnect upper control arm bolts
Disconnect upper shock mount bolts
Disconnect two spring clamps, 4 bolts total.
Wind up ride height adjusters, be careful to note how many turns etc
Remove spring
Now you'll have totally clear access to the drain hole.
There are other ways by fabricating tools etc but I couldn't be bothered with the trip to the store. After doing a driveline swap last year and being familiar with my rear end
this was the easy option. It's 12 bolts after the wheels basically. I love the simplicity of working on this car.
I ended up doing the following.......
Raise car on stands/ramps.
Remove rear wheels
Disconnect upper control arm bolts
Disconnect upper shock mount bolts
Disconnect two spring clamps, 4 bolts total.
Wind up ride height adjusters, be careful to note how many turns etc
Remove spring
Now you'll have totally clear access to the drain hole.
There are other ways by fabricating tools etc but I couldn't be bothered with the trip to the store. After doing a driveline swap last year and being familiar with my rear end
this was the easy option. It's 12 bolts after the wheels basically. I love the simplicity of working on this car.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,275
Likes: 226
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
It was posted prior.......
2005's are a 'ONE YEAR' only diff for the C6
I had noticed this a few weeks ago; replaced the trans and diff with new GM ZR1trans and Z06 diff
2005's are a 'ONE YEAR' only diff for the C6
I had noticed this a few weeks ago; replaced the trans and diff with new GM ZR1trans and Z06 diff
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 913
Likes: 129
From: Toronto
Try this......I followed this without even raising the car..Worked perfect
http://www.theredlion.us/C6%20Differ...luid%20DIY.pdf
http://www.theredlion.us/C6%20Differ...luid%20DIY.pdf
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Hello Newbie here...well to this forum anyway, as well as to Corvettes...yes I did join in 2005, but never got a Corvette yet, and only now I'm entertaining the purchase again.
I was lurking and reading about the C6 since I'm in the market to purchase...probably a GS.
Anyway, looking at the 2005 diff drain plug location, wouldn't you be able to use a universal knuckle extension to get in there?
If so, that may be better/easier than using an L end wrench...just a thought as I have no idea of the difficulty it is to reach the drain plug.
I was lurking and reading about the C6 since I'm in the market to purchase...probably a GS.
Anyway, looking at the 2005 diff drain plug location, wouldn't you be able to use a universal knuckle extension to get in there?
If so, that may be better/easier than using an L end wrench...just a thought as I have no idea of the difficulty it is to reach the drain plug.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Guys,
Got this all sorted out rather easily. I cut off 1" of allen wrench, then bought a 10m box wrench with hinged box end, with a pipe for a breaker and VIOLA! It popped off easily.
Thank you for the replies.
Got this all sorted out rather easily. I cut off 1" of allen wrench, then bought a 10m box wrench with hinged box end, with a pipe for a breaker and VIOLA! It popped off easily.
Thank you for the replies.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 11,139
Likes: 1,910
From: Missouri City, TX
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 110
From: Tucson AZ
You can remove the 10mm Allen portion from the Allen socket and then use the 10mm box wrench on it. Saves cutting up your L Allen wrench.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 11,139
Likes: 1,910
From: Missouri City, TX
Excellent idea I haven't heard before. That trick might also improve accessibility to the Fill plug as well in my opinion. There isn't much room between the Fill plug and right rear muffler. Thanks for sharing.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 2
From: Raynham MA