Differential oil plug (socket/square size)

[matt-man]

I think it time to check the rear diff oil but its a square 'in' bolt (im using my extra techie language this evening!)

Whats this called? Where can i get one? ANy ideas of the size?!

The bible says its a 'stick out' one but on mine thats what the diff drain plug is, and the filler is a stick in type....

Thanks in advance all!

[l33]

What I have used in the past is the inner connecting rod for an interior door handle (thats right - the ones in your house).

I have the same thing on my old Citroen ZX. The square cross section bar about 8cm long from between 2 door handles was a precise fit.

Best trying when the missus is out mind - and don't lock your self in your front room while trying!

Edited to say that you should be able to get a socket around the bar to get leverage, although I have always used mawl grips.

Edited by l33 on Tuesday 19th September 21:38

[gsx600]

From what I rememmber I used a 1/2 inch drive wrench as I'm sure this fitted, ie the ratchet without any socket on it

[toltec]

gsx600 said:

From what I rememmber I used a 1/2 inch drive wrench as I'm sure this fitted, ie the ratchet without any socket on it

As above used a ratchet with no socket on it.

[djc1001]

As above - I use a standard 1/2in socket drive - fits OK.

[FrenchTVR]

As the guys above, 1/2" square drive ratchet.

[matt-man]

well i tried this an it didnt do the job...too big from what i remember....is there not a specialist tool?

Ive tried the door handle in the past on previous cars and it worked, but not on a car as stubborn as a wedge!

[FrenchTVR]

matt-man said:

well i tried this an it didnt do the job...too big from what i remember....is there not a specialist tool?

Ive tried the door handle in the past on previous cars and it worked, but not on a car as stubborn as a wedge!

Did you try a 3/8 socket drive instead?

[The Colonel]

Matt
I have the tool. One end has about 4 differet size Male bits, one of which will fit the female filler/level plug. It's a fairly easy job - but not enough room, only few degrees of arc movement at a time if you know what I mean.
Call round and borrow it if you like. (and return at Goodwood Americana meet?!)

[matt-man]

Thanks Paul, id really appreciate that! Ive got a few days off at the end of this week so i could definatly do with borrowing this! Could you stick it in the post for me? Ill give you whatever the postage is when i send it back if thats cool?

[Mr Sheen]

I changed my diff oil on Saturday and all I used a standard spanner, worked ok.

[The Colonel]

Matt - YHM

[adam quantrill]

Mr Sheen said:

I changed my diff oil on Saturday and all I used a standard spanner, worked ok.

Yeah - some are 'inny', some are 'outy', a bit like belly buttons. I think I have one of each on both of mine.

[jchase]

Mine are both innies. I haven't checked the differential yet though.

[Mr Sheen]

adam quantrill said:

Mr Sheen said:

I changed my diff oil on Saturday and all I used a standard spanner, worked ok.

Yeah - some are 'inny', some are 'outy', a bit like belly buttons. I think I have one of each on both of mine.

...ah........my diff is an outy and the gear box is an inny. BTW I used a large radiator allan key to remove the gear box bolt