autodriver

My 2001 RX300's rear differential fluid filler plug is damaged. Do you know the Toyota Part Number? Does it use the same filler plug for Toyota Highlander?

hypervish

Rear Differential Drain Plug - 9034118035 - $3.30 on Sewell with CL Discount
Rear Differential Fill Plug- 9034118032 - $4.56 on Sewell with CL Discount

This site shows which Toyota cars also have the same fill plug : http://www.toyotapartszone.com/Page_...er=90341-18032

tarzan17

My fill plug is rusted out as well, including the inside of the plug. Soaked the outside and inside with penetrating oil and let it sit overnight.

Then I tried to take off as much rust from inside drain plug hole as I could. Could only insert the 10mm hex key about 1/8" into it and I ended up rounding out the first 1/8 of the plug.

Any recommendations for removing it? New plug is already on order.

hypervish

Take a chisel to the outer portion of the plug and loosen it by hammering in a counter clockwise direction. I had to do that to get my rear differential fill plug off and to get my transfer case drain plug off. Toyota dealership was closed so I couldn't get new plug's. Next time I change the fluids I will purchase new plugs, which will likely be in 5 years.

tarzan17

Thanks hypervish! Will give it a try this weekend. Not much room in there so should be interesting.

hypervish

You're welcome!

Yeah, it's a tight fit. I wish you luck!

bob2200

As a last resort, I would think a welder could weld/braze a piece of metal to the plug that would enable you to get a good grip on it. I'm initially thinking maybe electric welding. Since it rusts, you know it's steel.

carguy07

I worked on a friend's car that was stripped like that. Just lined up the hex (socket) right and tapped it a few times with a sledge hammer to get it in the hole. Worked perfect, of course getting the plug off the hex was a ***** after that, but once it's out you can hold it with a vice and bang it loose.