Differential Drain Plug Dilemma
#1
Differential Drain Plug Dilemma
So I've been trying to change the differential fluid. First thing I did was read on here what sort of a key I would need for the drain and fill plug. I found out that it's a 10mm hex and got that socket. Well, when I tried to unscrew either of the plugs (started off with the fill), the 10mm doesn't fit. Basically, it's too large and it's the same on each of the plugs.
The key that almost fits perfectly is a 3/8" hex, however, it doesn't sit flush and is a little bit loose so I feel like if I start trying to use it and apply force, I might actually round out the drain plug head.
It seems bizarre, but can it be that my differential drain and fill plugs aren't 10mm? I know the tranny's plugs are 10mm and the 10mm hex key that I had fit in those perfectly.
LOL I've even gone as far as to buy different hex sets and try the 10mm key from each one in case the first one I had was somehow not fabricated accurately
If anyone could shed some light on this “mystery” that would be awesome and greatly appreciated!
The key that almost fits perfectly is a 3/8" hex, however, it doesn't sit flush and is a little bit loose so I feel like if I start trying to use it and apply force, I might actually round out the drain plug head.
It seems bizarre, but can it be that my differential drain and fill plugs aren't 10mm? I know the tranny's plugs are 10mm and the 10mm hex key that I had fit in those perfectly.
LOL I've even gone as far as to buy different hex sets and try the 10mm key from each one in case the first one I had was somehow not fabricated accurately
If anyone could shed some light on this “mystery” that would be awesome and greatly appreciated!
#2
So I've been trying to change the differential fluid. First thing I did was read on here what sort of a key I would need for the drain and fill plug. I found out that it's a 10mm hex and got that socket. Well, when I tried to unscrew either of the plugs (started off with the fill), the 10mm doesn't fit. Basically, it's too large and it's the same on each of the plugs.
The key that almost fits perfectly is a 3/8" hex, however, it doesn't sit flush and is a little bit loose so I feel like if I start trying to use it and apply force, I might actually round out the drain plug head.
It seems bizarre, but can it be that my differential drain and fill plugs aren't 10mm? I know the tranny's plugs are 10mm and the 10mm hex key that I had fit in those perfectly.
LOL I've even gone as far as to buy different hex sets and try the 10mm key from each one in case the first one I had was somehow not fabricated accurately
If anyone could shed some light on this “mystery” that would be awesome and greatly appreciated!
The key that almost fits perfectly is a 3/8" hex, however, it doesn't sit flush and is a little bit loose so I feel like if I start trying to use it and apply force, I might actually round out the drain plug head.
It seems bizarre, but can it be that my differential drain and fill plugs aren't 10mm? I know the tranny's plugs are 10mm and the 10mm hex key that I had fit in those perfectly.
LOL I've even gone as far as to buy different hex sets and try the 10mm key from each one in case the first one I had was somehow not fabricated accurately
If anyone could shed some light on this “mystery” that would be awesome and greatly appreciated!
Last edited by PTownG; 10-29-2009 at 09:44 PM.
#3
#4
I've thought about the possibility of it being some built-up but BOTH of the plugs and so much!? Ok, if it's not raining tomorrow after work, I'm going under the car and giving it a try. Would spraying some W40 and then using a small screw driver head to scrape off any possible built-up work?
I'm the 2nd owner. The differential fluid was changed at the stealership by the previous owner. Neither of the plugs show damage but who knows...
I'm the 2nd owner. The differential fluid was changed at the stealership by the previous owner. Neither of the plugs show damage but who knows...
#5
I've thought about the possibility of it being some built-up but BOTH of the plugs and so much!? Ok, if it's not raining tomorrow after work, I'm going under the car and giving it a try. Would spraying some W40 and then using a small screw driver head to scrape off any possible built-up work?
I'm the 2nd owner. The differential fluid was changed at the stealership by the previous owner. Neither of the plugs show damage but who knows...
I'm the 2nd owner. The differential fluid was changed at the stealership by the previous owner. Neither of the plugs show damage but who knows...
#6
#7
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#12
Well I tried PB Blaster and scraping anything out of there. Nothing. I'm pretty much certain now that the dealership messed them up (originally that's what I was thinking) when the previous owner replaced the fluid. Each side of the hex plug almost has like a grove on it.
The fill plug will allow the hex socket to go in slightly more than the drain plug. What I ended up trying is lightly hammering the socket into the plugs and that seems to work. They go in and stay but very very tightly. That's definitely not normal. I didn't go too far with that because I want to get two replacement plugs so I only have to take these off and never use them again.
Don't know how they did it... but I wouldn't dismiss them using a 3/8" hex key and a power tool.
I almost feel like going back to the dealership and demanding 2 plugs from them but I know that won’t happen. Anyways, hopefully they aren’t too expensive and I’m going to try and pick them up from a Nissan dealer.
The fill plug will allow the hex socket to go in slightly more than the drain plug. What I ended up trying is lightly hammering the socket into the plugs and that seems to work. They go in and stay but very very tightly. That's definitely not normal. I didn't go too far with that because I want to get two replacement plugs so I only have to take these off and never use them again.
Don't know how they did it... but I wouldn't dismiss them using a 3/8" hex key and a power tool.
I almost feel like going back to the dealership and demanding 2 plugs from them but I know that won’t happen. Anyways, hopefully they aren’t too expensive and I’m going to try and pick them up from a Nissan dealer.
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