Getting The Differential Inspection Plug Out

[Ignatz]

Yeah, but it will be a 8 point socket, instead of a 6 or 12 point socket for bolt heads.

 

[c3po]

I think that I may have some 8 point sockets, inside the socket it kind of looks like a star.

 

[Buffman]

yeah I got a few of those sockets with the 399 piece socket set I bought a few months ago. I figure someday I'll eventually use them for something.

c3po, those cast aluminum covers are nice units. They're not cheap, but they do offer easier access for draining and filling. Some you have to watch out for that have the fill plug higher than the stock location. IIRC mine added an extra 1/2 quart of oil to the pumpkin. Plus with the bearing cap studs, it beefs up the rear end a little bit


here's a picture of mine installed. (Gm 8.5" 10 Bolt). I got mine from summit. Milled the word "SUMMIT" off the cover and had my friend powdercoat it.

 

[Kestas]

Once I remove the fill plugs, I wire wheel the threads and use teflon tape to make removal easier the next time.

 

[c3po]

I am going to have to look into this, I would definetly want 1 without the bearing cap studs. My cover has been on there for 25 years, it maybe time to get a new 1.

 

[c3po]

I picked up a new plug today that you use an allen wrench on. I plan to do a few things:

1) Pick up an allen head socket so I can take it off with a socket wrench.
2) Clean the threads with a wire brush.
3) Put some Brakleen on a small cloth to clean it again.
4) Get some teflon tape like Kestas said to make removal easier.

I think my plug was hard to get out because there was some crud on the outer threads.

 

[andyd]

The whole trick with the recessed sockets is to get the tool to bottom in the hole. On the allen head screws on my BMW, I use a a small screwdriver to clean out the road grime. I also use the old school allen wrenches to start the screws. I have tried the sockets, but find the Ls easier to work with. I hit 'em with a hammer to start 'em and tighten 'em. I don't mess with tape or never seize, I just make sure the threads are clean and the washer is good.

 

[c3po]

Are you saying that an old school allen wrench is better than the socket with the allen wrench on it. I do not have the allen head sockets, maybe you can explain why the old school allen wrenches are better.

I am in no way saying you are wrong, but I am sure your explanation will be interesting.

 

[andyd]

The Ls are easier to use. maybe its because of the tight quarters. I have 2 allen sockets. A 3/8 I use for the slide bolts on my Jeep's caliper slides. ( GM brakes) It works fine. The 8mm I bought for working on my Bimmers' axles is a POS, the allen part will spin in the socket if I push it too hard. Also, because of the space, I have to use an extension which eats up some torque. The 10mm allen wrench I use on the diff plugs is great. I hit it with the flat side of a hammer to start it and to final tight. I dont like hitting ratchets with a hammer. Ive had it for 30 yrs and it hasn't failed me yet. When I do brake work on the BMW , I use a 7mm allen. It works so well, I havent bothered to get a socket. Sockets are prolly faster and for a mechanic speed is key. I'm just a shadetree hack and only work on my own stuff. I hate to spend money on stuff that just lies around taking up space.If I can get by with something I have already, then that is what I do.

 

[c3po]

andyd, thanks for the advice.

 

[widman]

I like heating and cooling with penetrants, but when all else fails, the Tim Allen overkill method always works. This is what I made.
.