trhs75

I started a thread a few weeks ago due to my inability to get a wrench or socket on the 24mm front differential drain plug. The short plug hex head is partially recessed, and a structural brace blocks access by a socket. I looked and looked, and finally bought a Snap-On u-joint type socket which I cut as short as possible. I then removed the u-joint part, and I could turn the socket with a Torx wrench inserted through the hole at the top of the socket. The dealer had told me (correctly) that the drain plugs aren't in that tightly -- they're just a bear to get at.



What a goofy way to design service accessibility!!

Anyway, it works, and it's the only thing I've found I could use. Maybe some of you have done the same thing. I figure I'll save in dealer labor more than what I spent on the socket.

Lexmex

Ah yeah, I see how you did this. That is very neat. There is a 10 mm wrench I attach a drill a hex-bit to in order to get off the tranny drain and front differential bolt, will show it the next time I do a drain and fill.

trhs75

I'd like to see that next time your RX is due!

tcheung87

I just did this project today, the fill plug took more effort than the drain plug. I used a Snap-On 24mm wrench, the box end worked well I just needed to muscle it out and it loosened just like that.

weinkaufjr

6 or 12 point?

tcheung87

12 Point, just make sure that you keep the wrench at an angle where it will not slip off while you're pulling on it.

trhs75

My Craftsman box end wouldn't fit in the recessed portion. Maybe the Snap-On has narrower walls -- glad it worked for you!

tcheung87

Yeah, I was surprised it fit, the walls are really thin and the 12-point box seemed to grip the plug extremely well. I guess that's what you get with Snap-On.

cogon

I was able to remove the drain plug using a box end wrench 24 mm I purchased from Ace Hardware.

trhs75

Hmm. I might have saved some money!!