Rear Diff problem

So i decided i would change some fluids today, starting with the rear differential. I could not get the fill bolt out, even with impact wrench. I put wrench on drain bolt just to see if would break loose, and in seconds, all the differential fluid was on my garage floor. And I still can't get the fill bolt loose. wth do i do now?

 

Socket wrench with a pipe. Or breaker bar if you have one and use a pipe if you need more leverage still.

I do not reccomend using an impact gun on your differentials/ transfer case.

 

Soak it in pb blaster and let it sit. With any luck, it'll be free in a day or so.

 

will do

 

oh man, i really f'd up. the bolt is now stripped. can't get my socket to bite

 

After you soak it, hit gentky with mallet to get it into threads, then again just before trying to wrench off. Repeat if necessary.

 

Get a bolt extractor set. Use the one that’s the same size as the socket. Hammer the extractor socket on there and try that. It’ll bite better. For more leverage use a breaker bar. Soaking it with rust penetrate is good too before all this. Good luck

 

Turn the truck upside down and just fill it through the drain plug.


This is why we always say to make sure that fill plug loosens up first. Sorry to hear. Go w/ what's been suggested already. Worst case, you might need to weld a bolt on there to try and remove it.

 

This is what I had to do when my front diff wasn't cooperating. Granted I did not drain the oil out so I could drive it over to a buddy with a welder... Best of luck OP

 

whew, was able to get a good bite with a pipe wrench and pvc pipe extension and broke it loose. thanks for help

 

Woo hoo! I'd now suggest getting a new bolt so you won't have to deal with it the next time!

 

Grab a set of these
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GEARWRE...wOBbsvSIQ0JBris8voDK_vESOMJNx-9IaAtSpEALw_wcB

 

HEAT. Next time heat it up with a torch, even a propane plumbers torch will do. Its a great trick for stubborn things.

Glad you got it out, now go order a new one.

 

These look pretty nifty..... are they really good though?

 

This always ^

 

Should be as good as any of the other suggestions. I have never had a issue with mine.

 

I didn't know these existed . Might be nice to have a set just in case .

 

The breaker bar with a pipe is always a winner in my book. Just be extra careful as the bolts are quite shallow and can be easily rounded compounding the issue. Good luck!

 

Glad you got it out. But a pvc pipe? Wow.

Proper size 6 point socket, a long handled ratchet or 18" breaker bar, a 2 - 3' metal pipe that will fit over the handle.

Still stubborn? Position the cup of your floor jack under the pipe and use the weight of the truck to break the bolt free.

 

Wondering if you've every removed these bolts before now.....how long has it been or how old is your truck?