Is this front diff bolt stripped or is it a special bolt?

Does anyone know how I can remove this bolt? Is it not a normal hex bolt? Is it s 16 side bolt? I need to change the fluid. It's on my 2009 a4x4 access cab v6 front diff fill bolt. Thanks!

 

Looks partially stripped but only the outer edge.

Get the right size, sit it as deep as you can, and wack the backside of the socket several times to break any rust or whatever might cause that thing to sieze.

Only after doing that would I take a stab at loosening it.

But it looks like you can still easily remove it.

Worst case you do as I suggested, but let it soak in penetrating oil for about a day before going at it.

 

I'ts been soaking for a few days. I tried putting the 10 mm hex in there and it won't go in.

 

Could be time to grab a washer or two, a nut, and weld that fucker on.

You might want a Lexus plug on stand-by to replace it with.

I don't have a 2nd Gen but my 4Runner used a 12mm? Maybe that was the drain and the fill was 10mm?

 

can't? or won't?

Mr. Hammer might be able to persuade it a little but obviously, buy a replacement first.

 

I’ll try both sizes

 

Why a Lexus plug and not a Toyota plug?

 

Ordering replacement now

 

Use a cold chisel on the edge, counterclockwise, whack it with a hammer and it will break loose

Source: had this problem the first time I changed my diff fluids

 

Because you can put a socket on it like you would any bolt versus an allen key like you have now.

 

I, too, recommend the Lexus plug

 

Go to the local muffler shop and have them weld a nut to it and use impact. Replace with non hex style.

 

STOP AND READ THIS FIRST
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-differential-drain-plug-saga.825833/

 

We summed up your linked thread in a matter of 2-3 posts

 

Didn't want it to be harder than it needed to be. The thread on page#2 post #29 lists bolt extractor and bolt used too.

 

Also got the Lexus plug part number; definitely gonna help the OP for sure

 

An easy out is always a last resort.



I would wire brush all around the exterior of that fill plug before I went for final removal. You've got some minor corrosion present and I would not wish for any of that grit to get inside the differential with your clean, fresh fluid.

Best wishes!

 

Because it will increase your trade-in value by 30%

 

I’ll try it. How important is it to torque them using a torque wrench?

 

I have never torqued to any kind of spec, I think torque like you would an oil drain plug

I fluid film my truck, keeps mine from corroding into place

You could hit it with penetrating oil every time you do an oil change to keep it from seizing again