My rear diff has 2 plugs. the top I assume is for checking and topping off. and the bottom one is to drain. But how do I remove the plugs? Is there a special tool to remove the plugs? It is like an allen nut but is square with only 4 sides.

Hi,

 

In the past, I have used what is called "key stock", which can be found at most hardware stores. These are small pieces of square hardened steel bar stock and come in a few standard sizes. Hopefully, one will fit. Then, simply apply an open-end wrench and turn.

 

I know of others (on non-Subaru vehicles) where the square drive of a ratchet will do the trick. You may have to improvise by using shims if the fit is not tight enough.

 

Whatever you do, please open the filler plug first, not the drain plug.

 

Regards,

Adnan

I remove mine with a 1/2 in. drive breaker bar. The fit is not as tight as it should be but I get it out. That is a good suggestion from Adnan about removing fill plug before drain plug.

any garage will just use a breaker bar with a 1/2" drive... i think thats what the fsm says too.

 

you WILL need a breaker bar, ive done pull ups on breaker bars trying to get the plug out.

ok i'll try 1/2" drive, thanks.

1/2" breaker is the standard tool, as far as I know. Here's a tip, too. There's really no need for them to be "gorilla" tight. Just snug. Some teflon tape on the threads aids removal the next time and helps reduce the dribble that results from capillary action of the oil seeping through the threads, too.

1/2 is what I used.

1/2 inch drive breaker bar, of course, but also remember to jack up the car as high as you can. That way, You can get enough leverage to break the cap loose. It takes a lot of force. Jack stands work, but a real lift would be ideal.

 

I wish I had a lift and a big garage. It would make life so much easier...

 

 

Matt

don't be discouraged if it is really hard to break it loose, with a steel plug and an aluminum cover, they seem to like to corrode together.

Soak the plugs down with pb blaster or something similar before trying to break em loose. Makes it much easier.

beer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

....and a 1/2" drive

during the winter time, when I do a lot of wheeling out in the mud and ponds, I have to change my diff fluid a couple times a month, so it's a standard procedure for me:

1/2" impact.. BRAAP, and it's out. Going in, finger tight plus one turn.

Remember not to drink too much beer when working on your sweet-rump roast Subaru.

 

You might make a mistake and forget to put the drain plug back in before you start to refill it, or you might drop the car on your chest... OUCH!!

 

I love beer, and I love working on cars and motorcycles, but I try not to do too much at the same time.

 

If I am going to drink a little.... I will be ok as a mechanic.

 

 

If I am going to drink a lot... Well, let's just put those tools away before someone gets hurt.

 

Matt

 

Hee Hee!

 

P.S. I already had 4 beers, so I will not work on the subaru, but I am going outside to work on the 1982 Suzuki GS450.

Got the diff Oil changed. No probem getting fill and drain plugs out with a 1/2 drive. But I noticed I had quite a bit of grey sludge on the magnet. Is this normal or should I be concerned?

Got the diff Oil changed. No probem getting fill and drain plugs out with a 1/2 drive. But I noticed I had quite a bit of grey sludge on the magnet. Is this normal or should I be concerned?

 

thats normal, ive never seen a diff with out the shavings/ mush.

I get a fair amount of metal particles on the magnet when i remove it.

 

 

I think it is ok.

 

Matt