Another way to drain rear diff fluid?

Went to drain the rear diff fluid and found this. There isn't enough space to get the socket around the head of the bolt. Is there another way that I can drain the fluid from the case? Also, how would you go about working around this?

 

One of these guys worked for me. Slide it over and use your foot to crack it loose.

 

EWE
looks like floor jack dmg
try bending that round lip with a stout flathead screw driver or small pry bar
then see if enough clearance for wrench/socket
wouldnt pry that bent lip off in case would leave a hole in the diff(leak)

after this^^
if you cant get the wrench or socket on the bolt
could use a dremel to give you enough access(grind away that edge)

 

Something similar happened to you? It's pretty tight there. I don't know that even that would fit

 

take the truck out for a good long drive.
The rear diff fluid will heat up and thin out.
Then use a fluid extractor through the fill hole.

I'd personally use a Dremel and cut/grind my way to the bolt.

 

Just fix the damage and remove plug like normal. Don't make it out to be more than it is.

 

I think a better quality wrench may have a thinner wall.

 

If you can remove the fill plug you can pump out the old fluid. It will take time, but it can be done. NOTE: That drain plug doesn't look it's going to want to move, especially with the dings making it hard to get a socket around it: they can be tough to remove when there is no damage. Do not attempt to remove it until you make sure the fill plug will come out. The whole diff looks damp. I would also clean the area with brake-clean to see if it's leaking and how bad.

 

Yep, looks like it's either that or take a dremel to it. It looks damp because I had just sprayed PB on the fill plug before breaking it.

 

Yup- Dremel it out and proceed as normal. Stick with a 6 sided socket- 12 points will round that thing out quicker than you can get a curse word outta your mouth.

 

Sounds good. If it won't budge, spray it again, put the socket on it, and then lightly tap the plug a few times with a small hammer. Don't pound on it: cast iron all around it!

 

Yeah I actually bought a 12-sided socket at first and when I got home I realized that wouldn't end well. Didn't even touch it to the bolt

 

I'd try either a dremel with a pin router or rotary file attachment or an oscillating tool with a small metal cutting blade. If that doesn't do it there's always the hammer and chisel.

 

Fixing the damage is the part I'm having trouble with. Sorry, I'm extremely new to working on cars and generally working with tools beyond the basics lol

 

I think by "fix" the damage he means cut away the stuff in the way.

You could get a new plug if you want, but it's probably not necessary.

 

I think you should see if the fill plug will come open before you mess with the drain plug

 

I am sure with simply a small hammer (say a 12oz ball peen or even a claw hammer) and a 1/4"-3/8" chisel you could remove the material that is in the way of using the proper size socket. Just make sure to work to remove the material away from the plug. You could also use a small carbide grinding tool on a drill. Using the chisel and hammer with just some common sense and you will find it is just a simple thing.

 

Just get a cold chisel and knock that off

 

I took it off before touching the drain plug so at least I got that goin for me

 

Thin walled socket or thin offset wrench would get in there.

Or like others said try to fix that damage: use a punch to try and reshape it out of the way, a Dremel to cut off a bit, etx