Hello All, My 96 Camry has a leak in one of the lower rear freeze plugs, does the engine need to be removed to repair this? It is visible from underneath the car and looks like it would be difficult to reach and repair...Thoughts? Instructions? ( I did search for some instructions and have come up empty) Thank you.
Denzodennis
Removing the intake or exhaust manifolds could certainly help with access, I assume you're talking about on the front of the engine since it's the easiest to see. I believe there are also plugs on the back side too that should be checked. Usually if one is bad and leaking, all are in poor shape and should be replaced. Engine out will be easier but you may be surprised how much room there is with the manifolds out of the way.
It should be doable, but you may need to work from the bottom up and possibly pull the axle to get tools in there and room to work, not sure 100%. If you've never done a freeze plug I'd suggest letting a mechanic do it unless you have a 2nd car.
The hardest part is cleaning the hole well enough in a limited space and then getting it hammered in straight with limited space. If there's pitting around the hole then you can sometimes smear a little silicone sealer on the rim of the plug so it will seal, as long as there's plenty of tension to hold it in. If the plug rotted out in the center and there's no issues around the rim then you're golden. You can use a flat blade screw driver and hammer to pop a hole through it and then use a wrench laid flat across the hole to pop the plug out. You need something the near exact diameter of the plug, that will just sit inside the plug so it's driven evenly.
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