Removing thread stripped REAR diff plug

[darbio]

Hi guys,

My diff was leaking so I went to remove the plug and replace with a new one only to find that the bottom rear diff plug is spinning in the hole. Can't get it out with my socket set.

Short of removing the axle and pushing from inside, how can I remove the thread stripped plug?

I have a set of ezy outs, but I'm concerned that won't work with a stripped thread.

Any tips?

[gregn]

dont know really bit of a bugger that one, only thing i can think of is welding something to it so you can twist and pull at the same time. someone else might have a better idea though.

[bob14hilux]

Try a pair of vice grips and pull as you are turning

[anthony kemp]

the rear center isnt a big job to pull out i would be doing that. then you can push from inside. i dare say you will have to cut out the old thread boss anyway and weld in a new one so would be a lot better to weld on the inside and outside.

[kizza1]

has it come out at all? if you could get under it you could use a tie rod tool "fork looking thing" to get behind it like a wedge and push on it while you undo it. if not you would have to take the centre out or weld a washer on to the base of the bolt head so you can lever on that. you will probably need to helicoil the thread after you get it out.

[Krat]

has it come out at all? if you could get under it you could use a tie rod tool "fork looking thing" to get behind it like a wedge and push on it while you undo it.

x2 with this process. I have used a pair of tin snips to achieve the same outcome.
Hopefully the plug is stripped and not the diff thread.
You can then just tidy it up with a thread cutter. Fingers crossed.

[darbio]

Thanks guys. I tried pulling on the plug with a set of vice grips whilst spinning it. No luck...

Tried heating with a blowtorch and repeating. No luck...

Then I went to bed.

Got back underneath the ute this evening, removed the diff and had a look inside.

Tapped the plug with a hammer, and then started trying to untighten. She bit on the thread slightly, but not enough to come off.

Ended up pressing down on it whilst I turned the plug and she bit and came out. Winning!

The good news is that the thread in the axle casing looks pretty good, and only the plug is stripped.

Gonna go down to Toyota spares and get a new diff plug and see if she fits the thread. Fingers crossed she will! Otherwise I'll buy a thread cutter and tidy her up.

Got some Permatex ultra grey in the shed - will that be ok for the gasket? Or is there an actual gasket to use?

Thanks for the tips guys!

[Wing]

I use generic gaskets from auto stores. The type cost $5 and contains gaskets of all sizes and all materials.