So I thought I'd change the rear diff oil today, but the rear plugs seem to be welded on or something...

Did a search and the results seem to imply using a 1/2" breaker bar without a socket on, but that just started deforming my plug (Halfords largest breaker bar), so gave that a miss. Also tried one of the halfords "drain plug removal tools" (the one that has a number of square shaped "pyramid with top chopped off" bits), but that couldnt shift it either.

Does anyone know the actual size of the hole, and is there a socket type tool that will fit snuggly in there? I want something with a 1/2" drive so that I can get some proper leverage on the plugs, as they're *really* stuck in there.


On the plus side, at least I managed to change downpipe, engine oil, gearbox oil and brake fluid just before it got dark

 

let it soak in wd over night, you can get proper 1/2" bits for the job to, try it they do fit snugger

 

ah, had a look in the shops for the bits but couldn't find them anywhere, but now I see there's some on ebay! Ordered a 13mm key now, hopefully it fits

 

I take it you mean the drain plug rather than the filling plug. If so let the weather improve then go for a good drive to get the diff warmed up should warm the casing causing it to expand slightly then try undoing the fill before the drain. I say that because if you get the drain plug out and not the fill you will stuff the rear diff if you need to take it somewhere.

 

Yes, it's the filling plug I meant - I was scared to tackle the drain plug for exactly the reason you mention

 

i had this problem too but warming it with a drive (and as a last resort a heat gun)combined with a top brand quality tool did the trick!

 

As above, just apply a little heat to the plug with a blow torch and use 13mm plug socket - you can get these from motor factors or screw fix do a set.

 

just use the socket ratchet wrench without a socket on thats what i did and it worked

 

nope, you need to heat the area (casing) around the bolt/plug, not directly on it

 

Tool ordered, will give it a blast with a torch first as well just to make sure...

Is there usually some loctite type stuff on the threads as well? Last diff oil change was done by a main dealer three years back.