deliriousga

I'm trying to get two things done here and I'm stuck. I was going to replace the CV boots and the differential oil but I have three bolts I can't get off.

First is the fill plug for the differential, second is one of the six bolts on the inner CV joint and last is the axle bolt. Thank God I actually paid attention this time and tried removing the fill plug first. I've soaked all of the bolts with Liquid Wrench for an hour and still can't get them out. I'm afraid to push any harder for fear I'll strip out the darn things.

Is there something better that Liquid Wrench to get them out or some other method?

Dennis Wilson

Try PB Blaster to loosen the plug and bolt. Concerning the CV bolt, make sure all of the crud and corruption is out of the hex. If it still doesn't come loose, try a long nose pair of Visegrips to get a bite on it. Another option is using a heat gun or propane torch to loosen the corrosion on the threads but be CAREFUL around the gas tank.

Dennis

jserio

Try using a breaker bar where ever possible to give you more controlled leverage. I had the same trouble on a few of those hex bolts and leverage was my answer. I haven't rackled the differential yet.

AO

Well, John. I'm really glad you tried the fill plug first! That was close!

I've heard of people hacking off a section of the allen wrench and usinf a socket on it to get better leverage. And PB Blaster is far superior to liquid wrench IMHO. You might also want to try heat too. as suggested earlier.

CV joint - haven't BTDT before, so no suggestions there. Good luck.

deliriousga

Got the CV joint off, but still a no go on the fill plug. I have a 10mm allen socket and I've tried a 24" breaker bar on it but still wouldn't go. The PB Blaster loosened everything for the CV joint so I'm soaking the fill plug every 30 minutes and trying again.

jpitman2

Axle bolt is easiest, as long as you mean the BMF on the end of the shaft! leave the wheel on the ground, but the hub badge off, fit the socket (deep is easier), fit bar (3/4 drive best) with end low to the ground so pulling up undoes it, and get a jack under the end. Once the jack is at end of stroke, either move the socket round a flat, or roll the car to a new purchase on the bar. Can be tightened enough to get you to a proper torque wrench the same way.
The CV bolts need to have VERY clean heads, good allen key (socket type is good), and good leverage, or a vise grip as above.
jp 83 EuroS AT 49k, BTDT

Garth S

To remove the differential plugs, clean the hex in the plug and fully insert a hex socket ( or chunk of an allan key). Take a mid sized ball pein hammer ( non-rebound type if available) and sharply smack the hex INTO the plug; Careful to not overdo it. The shock at right angle to the threads will normally loosen the corrosion between the steel plug and aluminium cover.
Excessive static force with a bar will only serve to strip the threads. Access to these plugs for an air gun is tight, but an impact gun will work on all the bolts/plugs you mentioned - even the axle nut!

deliriousga

It took a impact wrench to get the axle nut off. I can't get the impact wrench behind the fill plug so I'll try the hex key with hammer trick next. I'm getting my CV joint cleaned off before I try it again.