Front Diff drain plug is a pain in the a

[s20004runner]

rear diff and transfer case were easy.

I got the fill plug loose but the front diff drain plug was completely seized where i felt the plug bolt started to strip.

So I gave up and pump 3/4 of the oils out through the fill plug then refilled it.

I searched and I guess I wasn't the only one.

 

[nissanh]

Someone probably tight it too much.
Next time hit the head of the hex with a hammer to break loose the bolt.

 

[D Farms]

mine was easy both times. just make sure you clean any grime out before attempting to even insert the allen key. you can also use a cheater bar. Im not sure if you want to use a penetrating oil like kroil or parts blaster because they contain solvents. Id imagine if you did need to use one though spray it and wipe all the excess off before you try to open it.

 

[thor999]

Dealership charged me $30 to remove and replace, they also drained and refilled but I did provide my own fluid. They said it was a known problem and were happy to fix it. I had no luck getting that plug out!

 

[Troybylt]

Huh, mine was dead easy, I have the 10mm allen hex. Were you useing a standard L allen or allen sockets? An allen socket on a 3/8 breaker bar should be more then enough umph. Was it put on without the brass washer? If you ever do get it off, and for that matter always, be sure to replace the brass/aluminium and steel crush washers, it makes it a lot easier to get off the next time and less likely to back off on the trail. Plus you're less liable to strip out the threads.

 

[jreask]

mine was easy both times. just make sure you clean any grime out before attempting to even insert the allen key. you can also use a cheater bar. Im not sure if you want to use a penetrating oil like kroil or parts blaster because they contain solvents. Id imagine if you did need to use one though spray it and wipe all the excess off before you try to open it.

THIS. The most important thing is getting the plug clean. That way you can insert the allen/hex further into the plug for more leverage. I always spray the end of the plug with brake cleaner to get all of the gunk out before I try to remove it.

 

[Philz]

I came across same problem + it was freaking cold outside so my fix was let dealer fix thank you Charles Barker Toyota VB.
They only charged 160.00 front/rear diff & transfer case which excellent deal.
Other Toy dealers & auto shops in my area charge 350.00 + for that job

 

[s20004runner]

I already gave up and ok w just changing 3/4 of the fluids. 160 sounds expensive to me, fluids were $15 and the washer was like $3.

 

[LexusFTW]

My front drain plug was siezed and stripped. I had to weld a bolt to the drain plug to remove it.