2009 Coupe Differential Drain Plug
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 475
From: NY
2009 Coupe Differential Drain Plug
I'm wondering if this has happened to anyone else. I was just about to change the differential fluid on my 2009 coupe with the Z51 package. Unfortunately, straight access to the differential drain plug is blocked by the rear spring. From what I've read, the drain plug was moved on 2006 and later models, so as to allow straight-on access from below with a 10mm allen socket.
Now it looks like I need to get a 10mm allen L-wrench to slip in above the rear spring - which is normally required only for 2005 models.
Do I have a freak differential or something?
Solution: The videos I watched on this must be with cars that have a different differential than the one in my car. I'm guessing mine is different given that it's a Z51 package car. My differential is identified as AIUJ-00600 (3.42).
It has two drain plugs. One is a downward facing 10mm hex head socket - which is not accessible due to the spring interference (as mentioned above). The second drain plug is an 18mmm socket. The 18mm drain plug is located next to the usual 10mm hex plug, though the 18mm faces the rear of the car - not down. Given that orientation, be sure to wrap the aluminum cross member with a plastic bag when draining the differential.
Hope this helps someone...
Now it looks like I need to get a 10mm allen L-wrench to slip in above the rear spring - which is normally required only for 2005 models.
Do I have a freak differential or something?
Solution: The videos I watched on this must be with cars that have a different differential than the one in my car. I'm guessing mine is different given that it's a Z51 package car. My differential is identified as AIUJ-00600 (3.42).
It has two drain plugs. One is a downward facing 10mm hex head socket - which is not accessible due to the spring interference (as mentioned above). The second drain plug is an 18mmm socket. The 18mm drain plug is located next to the usual 10mm hex plug, though the 18mm faces the rear of the car - not down. Given that orientation, be sure to wrap the aluminum cross member with a plastic bag when draining the differential.
Hope this helps someone...
Last edited by EVRGRN; Apr 13, 2019 at 05:46 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 873
From: Bay Area CA
I replaced the differential oil in my 2008 Z51(manual 3.42) using a 10mm allen hex socket, same size for both side filler plug and bottom drain plug facing down. I used a ratchet wrench and access was easy, no leaf spring in the way.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Apr 17, 2019 at 11:33 AM.
