kalyan

I have the car jacked up on stands and the bottom plastic panel removed. This should be a 20 minute job, but this car is giving me all sorts of trouble. lol

The fill plug is at this odd location making it difficult for me to loosen it. I tried it with a 17mm open ended wrench... and it looks like I will round the head. I tried the 17mm socket... the plug would not move. I sprayed PB Blaster on it and let it soak. I will give it another try tomorrow.

To the folks who did this... what did you use to loosen the darn plug? The space there is tight and I wonder how and what you guys used to get it off. Also, is that an aluminum plug? I am afraid I might round it off and totally screw myself.

I love the car... but the maintenance part is killing me. I just did the front and rear diff and transfer case drain/fill on my Jeep and it was a breeze.

Any tips/advice? I need a freaking lift... i am getting too old to squeeze under the car. LOL.

Cheers,
-Kalyan

rmc1148

Try a breaker bar? I bought some crc freeze off spray but haven't tried it yet= suppose to contract the plug etc to help lubricant to get in.

kalyan

There is not enough room to use a breaker bar. I may have to pick up some of that CRC freeze off on the way from work tomorrow.

rmc1148

Cant get a closed end wrench on it? I haven't done the job yet lol.

kalyan

Hmm.. i can try that tomorrow. I don't have a closed end wrench. I will pick it up on the way from work tomorrow.

This is the one I have and tried....
http://www.autozone.com/wrenches-pli...ch/914118_0_0/

I will pick this up tomorrow.
http://www.autozone.com/wrenches-pli...ch/482617_0_0/

and this.
http://www.autozone.com/ratchets-soc...et/482552_0_0/

You know that plug could have been on the left side of the axle... where there is lot of room and zero obstruction. But, no, the engineers in their infinite wisdom choose to have it on the side that is hard to work with. Plus, my car spent its early life in PA and DE... the salt/rust is not being helpful either. LOL.

rmc1148

Looks like some tools that will come in handy either way. If I cant use a breaker bar I tap end of wrench with a hammer, make sure you have a good bite with wrench/socket. Just fought a differential plug on one of my Audis so I feel your pain.

jpflip

That was my set-up! Half inch drive ratchet, small extension and 17mm 6 point socket...... It was tight and I think it was important to use a 6 point socket due to the plug being made of soft metal.... This ratchet is 18 inches long...

rmc1148

Not much room and at a bad angle but I have dealt with similar. Why they cant do better is beyond me. Op let us know how you make out.

Carlo_Carrera

Try a little heating with a torch.

kalyan

Call me chicken... but i am afraid to use a torch near fuel tanks.

jpflip, I will try that again today using 6-point socket. thanks!!

kalyan

Success!!! I purchased a shallow 3/8" socket and used extension like jpflip did. I gave it a good pressure and the plug broke loose and I banged my forehead against the cross bar and ended up w/ a nice big bump. lol

Oil is completely drained. Time to fill and put it all back together!

rmc1148

Success, put a little never seize on before putting back in.

jpflip

Congratulations!!!! Une french there is an expression: "Les efforts sont toujours récompensés" or "true efforts are always rewarded" !!!

kalyan

Thanks guys. jpflip, your instructions on renntech were very helpful!

jpflip

WOW! This is great, happy to help you Kalyan!!!!