differential fill plug removal

[jason@legacyartists.]

I am have a tough time with removing the differential fill plug on my 2001 four cylinder camry. Couldn't move it with a 17mm socket, tried a closed end wrench and rounded the corners. Tried a set of vise grips but they will not hold. I believe I have thought of and tried everything, so my next move will be to take it to a mechanic, but aside from their ability to stand under the vehicle verses lying under it like have to I can't imagine what they can do that I can't. I am trying to check the fluid level, or even change it, but I do not want to remove the drain plug until I know I can fill the thing back up. What should take an hour at the most ended in frustration after a couple of hours of trying to get this plug out.

It is not conveniently located, so getting enough pressure on it is difficult to begin with.

I would even buy a new tool to get it done if I knew what would work.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Jason
2001 Camry
68,000 miles

[MR2Jedi]

Your situation would be better addressed in the Camry section. If you've rounded the bolt on the tranny, your gonna have to use some type of extractor to remove it now. Sears Craftsman makes some great extractors. It has a reverse twist that bites into the bolt head.Put it on a breaker bar. Then you'll have to buy a new bolt.

[jason@legacyartists.]

Thanks for the message and suggestion. I was going to look into those sockets, but I was successful with the vise grips and some PB blaster when I went back under the car last night. I bought a new fill plug that is a hex head, like the drain plug, so it will be easier to remove in the future.

Also, thanks for the suggestion of directing this to the camry section. I am not too familiar with this site, and have had trouble figuring out how to start a thread and where to place threads to get answers.

Jason
2001 Camry

[MR2Jedi]

Good deal. Glad you worked it out I recommend you use alittle anti-sieze on the thread when you reinstall plug. It'll make it easier to remove next time around.