How to unscrew these bolts?

[sentra]

Guys, i wanted to change the transimission oil in my 2002 manual Sentra, but i can't seem to figure out which way to turn the ratchet to unscrew the plugs.

I am trying to be as cautious as possible.

The first photo is of the fill plug. Which way, left or right, do i turn the ratchet to unscrew it?

The second photo is of the drain plug. Which way, towards me or away from me, do i turn the ratchet to get it loose?

Also, the plugs seem to have been tightened really tight. What do i do i can't pry them lose easily?

 

[Dave Hess]

A hollow metal pipe will allow you to get more torque/leverage on the ratchet.

I notice all of our Hondas with manual trans also the drain plug very tight from the factory.

 

[The_Jeff]

Grab the ratchet in your hand sitting normally and set it for lefty-loosey then when you're upside down and sideways it will work for you.

And yeah those plugs will be stuck pretty fiercely.

 

[Pablo]

Same thing with my Honda - VERY tight. I ASSUME lefty (counter clockwise) loosey - standard. But for sure as you show - make sure the fill plug will come out first. Just just horse it both ways to break the metalurgical bond......maybe you will need heat.

 

[SuperDave456]

Perhaps a little penetrating oil will clean it up and help it loosen up?
And those threads look the normal righty-tighty lefty-loosey

 

[97f150]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Grab the ratchet in your hand sitting normally and set it for lefty-loosey then when you're upside down and sideways it will work for you.

And yeah those plugs will be stuck pretty fiercely.


That was going to be my advice. I have been using that method, and feeling inferior about it, but it is necessary to hold me sanity lol. I get dyslexic when I'm lying on my back.

 

[The_Eric]

Lefty loosey, righty tighty... Or hold the socket in your hand and set the ratchet so it turns the socket counter clockwise when using your other hand to turn the ratchet. Also better eat your Wheaties....

 

[rcy]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
A hollow metal pipe will allow you to get more torque/leverage on the ratchet.

I notice all of our Hondas with manual trans also the drain plug very tight from the factory.


Yes, long hollow pipe over the ratchet (or a legitimate breaker bar) will make it easier to remove those.

 

[flatlandtacoma]

Pablo already said it, but it bears repeating. ALWAYS LOOSEN THE FILL PLUG FIRST!

 

[Jakegday]

my 2 and 1/2 foot long hollow pipe and 16 inch 1/2 inch drive breaker bar have never let me down. not once, ever.

 

[VicL]

The old-fashioned breaker bar works good. I found some cheap, 1/2" drive breaker bars at the local flea market for less than $10 each, bought 2 at that price. Perfect for this type of situation.

Vic

 

[chad8]

I buy pb blaster by the quart. i put it in a little spray bottle and It has saved my knuckles and sanity at least twice this week. Let it soak a day. then have at it. I had to get 17 year old brake lines off between a firewall and an engine with a 10mm socket.

 

[sentra]

Thanks you for all the replies, guys. So, to loosen the plug, i will rotate, or try to rotate, the ratchet counter clockwise, or towards the right in the first photo?

However, righty is tighty, as you say. What's wrong with my reasoning?

Yes, i must loosen the fill plug first. I don't think i will be able to use a breaker bar or a hollow pipe because there isn't much clearance from the ground. I have got the car on ramps.

 

[sentra]

PB Blaster in available at a local store. Will pick it up tomorrow.

 

[Boomer]

To loosen it with a breaker bar, you will only need to "break" it loose, generally about 1/8 of a turn or less. Therefore, you don't need to worry about making a full rotation with the long handle of the breaker bar or pipe. Once it is free, you can use a short handle socket wrench to take the bolt out.

 

[TireDude]

Lefty Loosey... In other words, hold the socket with your left hand, and rotate the ratchet with your right. Ensure the ratchet is turning counter clockwise (put the ratchet in the 4 o'clock position and move it to noon). If you do not have a breaker, and I don't see why you couldn't, if you have enough room for a ratchet you always have room for a breaker, use a rubber mallet. Hold the ratchet by the head with your left and beat the handle with your right till it breaks. This is all assuming you are right handed, of course.

 

[lipadj46]

You're going to need a bigger boat, seriously buy a bigger ratchet or breaker bar.

 

[JTK]

Make sure that hex key socket is in that plug all the way and keep it in there straight or you will round that bugger off.

I don't mean to bust on you bubba, but if you're confused about how to loosen the bugger, have a shop get it broke free for you and then take care of it at your house.

Joel

 

[JHZR2]

That ratchet looks like the kind from a chinese cheapo kit. If it is, just beware on really tight stuff... Ive had them slip with enough torque and then the knuckles can really take a hit. Been there, done that.

Those plugs just get seized up. Id get some penetrating oil on there, and then try to get some torque on it via a pipe and breaker bar.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
That ratchet looks like the kind from a chinese cheapo kit. If it is, just beware on really tight stuff... Ive had them slip with enough torque and then the knuckles can really take a hit. Been there, done that.

Those plugs just get seized up. Id get some penetrating oil on there, and then try to get some torque on it via a pipe and breaker bar.



Was just gonna say that, looks like that ratchet is about a 25-cent special.... Putting a breaker bar on that is just asking for some pain.