Any tips to remove front diff drain plug? (1 Viewer)

[jdo748]

I just changed all the fluids in my front, rear and transfer case today. This thread inspired me to buy the Kaon front diff tool and replacement 24MM head drain plug. The tool worked amazingly well, had no issue and no stripping of the front diff OEM drain plug and now I don't have to worry with the huge 24MM head plug. If anyone in the Indianapolis area needs to borrow this tool I have one you can use.

Kaon Front Diff Tool and 24mm Drain Plug

Note: their prices are in AUD so you'll have a nice surprise once your CC is charged as the exchange rate is currently 1 AUD to 0.72 USD.

 

[McC13LC]

I just changed all the fluids in my front, rear and transfer case today. This thread inspired me to buy the Kaon front diff tool and replacement 24MM head drain plug. The tool worked amazingly well, had no issue and no stripping of the front diff OEM drain plug and now I don't have to worry with the huge 24MM head plug. If anyone in the Indianapolis area needs to borrow this tool I have one you can use.

Kaon Front Diff Tool and 24mm Drain Plug

Note: their prices are in AUD so you'll have a nice surprise once your CC is charged as the exchange rate is currently 1 AUD to 0.72 USD.

Just received my Kaon extraction socket and new Kaon drain plug. Came within 10 days from Australia to North Carolina. Not bad. About 50$ total, but well worth it.

 

[RET2]

I just changed all the fluids in my front, rear and transfer case today. This thread inspired me to buy the Kaon front diff tool and replacement 24MM head drain plug. The tool worked amazingly well, had no issue and no stripping of the front diff OEM drain plug and now I don't have to worry with the huge 24MM head plug. If anyone in the Indianapolis area needs to borrow this tool I have one you can use.

Kaon Front Diff Tool and 24mm Drain Plug

Note: their prices are in AUD so you'll have a nice surprise once your CC is charged as the exchange rate is currently 1 AUD to 0.72 USD.

It appears once removed the tool isn't needed anymore, is this correct?

 

[jdo748]

It appears once removed the tool isn't needed anymore, is this correct?

Yes that’s correct, the tool is not needed after you replace the front diff drain plug.

 

[mceagle555]

My 2008 LX570 had it stuck on like a bear. A 36" breaker bar wouldn't move it. Also stripped the Allen bolt.

After cold chiseling for 45 mins one day, here is what worked for me:

1. Overnight soak with PB Blaster penetrating oil
2. Cold chisel notch (Use an actual cold chisel, not a wood chisel you have laying around)
3. Mark bolt and diff housing with permanent marker so you can tell if it is spinning.
4. 3lb Hammer
5. Have replacement Lexus HEX plug on hand (Part#: 90341-24016)

Friendly reminder to not only wear eye protection, but also EAR PROTECTION. Hammering metal against metal in an enclosed space can cause ringing in your ear. (Ask me how I know)

Came right off.

 

[CharlieS]

I feel like I won the lottery - mine came right out with zero issues. I still replaced it with the Lexus plug and torqued to spec, just in case.

 

[2001LC]

I did a 2014, where no sign or record of front diff drained. It's plug too, came out surprising easy.

I've acquired several 3/8" drive 10mm hex socket, i'e. Snapon, craftsmen, etc. recently. Looking for perfect, tight & sharp fit. I've yet to try one of these new sockets. My hopes are hex head prefect fit, will increase amount of pressure I can apply before round of hex bolt.

I'm on the hunt for a 3/4" drive 10mm socket presently.

But to date, in all that I round. Large and a smaller cold chisels & 5lb hammer, have been my friends.

 

[CharlieS]

I used a Snap On allen socket, and have had great luck with them, but I don't know as that was the deciding factor.

 

[manofthewoods]

I used a Snap On allen socket, and have had great luck with them, but I don't know as that was the deciding factor.

Like in post 126, mine broke free with no drama. 3/8 drive craftsman. I will add that the bolt was clean from the get go.

 

[gasman4u]

Aerokroil, plastic dead blow hammer strikes, aerokroil (repeat multiple times before attempting to loosen bolt) yielded an easy time with mine. Granted, this was likely overkill given young age of my diff, but didn't want to miss out on all the knowledge gained by others.

 

[CharlieS]

Aerokroil, plastic dead blow hammer strikes, aerokroil (repeat multiple times before attempting to loosen bolt) yielded an easy time with mine. Granted, this was likely overkill given young age of my diff, but didn't want to miss out on all the knowledge gained by others.

Did you try to turn it first? Seems like a lot
of extra, if it was going to come loose with the first turn of the wrench.

 

[gasman4u]

Did you try to turn it first? Seems like a lot
of extra, if it was going to come loose with the first turn of the wrench.

Indeed it may have turned. I did not try. As they say, Experience is the mother of all teachers. She is not always kind, but never lies.

After shearing bolt heads off with force I wouldn’t have thought would do so, stripping heads with torque wrenches that did not work as advertised, etc I did not want to re-live any of these or similarly terrible issues. I happily multi tasked and let the kroil do its thing while assisting in breaking any physical bond with the dead blow hammer. Given the same circumstance in the future, I would happily pursue the same steps given the known outcome.

 

[pvchaitanya]

Indeed it may have turned. I did not try. As they say, Experience is the mother of all teachers. She is not always kind, but never lies.

After shearing bolt heads off with force I wouldn’t have thought would do so, stripping heads with torque wrenches that did not work as advertised, etc I did not want to re-live any of these or similarly terrible issues. I happily multi tasked and let the kroil do its thing while assisting in breaking any physical bond with the dead blow hammer. Given the same circumstance in the future, I would happily pursue the same steps given the known outcome.

these are the worst nightmares for any DIYer. Terrible to deal with. I think the shops have better experience, tools and ways to deal with them.

 

[CharlieS]

I'm glad it worked out for you. It sounds like you have a process that works for you.

From my perspective, just because some people have had issues before is no reason to add complexity to the process if it isn't necessary. It is putting a fix in where there may not be an issue. The simplest thing to do is clean the hole, put the socket in the hole, see if it moves with moderate force and an appropriately sized wrench. If it doesn't budge, then try progressively more invasive solutions until you get it free.

But again, I'm not telling you what to do. That's just the way I do things.

 

[JAS4]

Well, just got the diff fluid changed today for first time at 16,804 miles. Absolutely no problems. Literally the easiest thing. I will say the Kaon hex tool is a slick bit of kit. It fits quite tight and flush with the front diff plugs. I was adequately prepared for disaster thanks to this thread. Cheers!

 

[LCHardriver_02]

Ok, I have not looked it up but what is the recommended interval for the Diff oil change? 16k miles seems very short to me.

 

[JAS4]

Ok, I have not looked it up but what is the recommended interval for the Diff oil change? 16k miles seems very short to me.

According to my 21’ Toyota maintenance guide it should be replaced every 15,000 miles if “Driving while towing, using a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading.” Otherwise, if that use description doesn’t fit, it says to “inspect” it every 15,000 miles. I could not find a stated replacement interval in that case (up to the 120,000 mile limit in my maintenance guide).

 

[gasman4u]

According to my 21’ Toyota maintenance guide it should be replaced every 15,000 miles if “Driving while towing, using a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading.” Otherwise, if that use description doesn’t fit, it says to “inspect” it every 15,000 miles. I could not find a stated replacement interval in that case (up to the 120,000 mile limit in my maintenance guide).

IIRC, most are changing every 15-30k depending on use. Or if you do a water crossing, change ASAP afterwards.

 

[thetransporter]

Hey guys. Im bout to do this job as well. Just wanted to make sure. The replacement part number 90341-24016 is for the DRAIN PLUG - correct? What is for the FILL PLUG? Also if you could send me part numbers for the washers as well. I would greatly appreciate any info. Thanks so much

 

[RET2]

Hey guys. Im bout to do this job as well. Just wanted to make sure. The replacement part number 90341-24016 is for the DRAIN PLUG - correct? What is for the FILL PLUG? Also if you could send me part numbers for the washers as well. I would greatly appreciate any info. Thanks so much

First things first, be sure the fill plug is able to be loosened. Then proceed.