Rear End Fill Plug

solarjustin · September 6, 2009

I went out today to change the rear end fluid on my truck and I'm not sure what type of tool I need to open the fill plug. It is like a hex head bolt, but only instead of being hex it is square. I went to look at Farm and Fleet and Sears and neither had a socket that would work. Am I missing something here or is there a special tool that I need.

Thanks

txab · September 6, 2009

A 3/8" extension will fit

WilliamBos · September 6, 2009

Just use a 3/8" drive ratchet.

I went out today to change the rear end fluid on my truck and I'm not sure what type of tool I need to open the fill plug. It is like a hex head bolt, but only instead of being hex it is square. I went to look at Farm and Fleet and Sears and neither had a socket that would work. Am I missing something here or is there a special tool that I need.

Thanks

solarjustin · September 6, 2009

Hmmm...guess I never though of that.

I will give that a try tomorrow.

WilliamBos · September 6, 2009

Hmmm...guess I never though of that.

I will give that a try tomorrow.

Just be sure to press the ratchet tight against the housing, this way it will not slip out and strip the whole for the ratchet.

brims · September 6, 2009

Ya, with that plug either you see it and think "a ratchet might fit" or you sit there and scratch your head. It's sort of oddball to have something like that on a vehicle. But at least they didn't over engineer it.

97SierraGMC · September 7, 2009

as said above, just a 3/8 ratchet and a extension will press in there, its not overly tight so you shouldnt strip it

WilliamBos · September 7, 2009

as said above, just a 3/8 ratchet and a extension will press in there, its not overly tight so you shouldnt strip it

The only reason I suggested ratchet only is because I cannot see straight , so it makes it easier for me... LOL

solarjustin · September 7, 2009

Thanks for the help....yeah like I said I never though of using my ratchet. As much as I like having a reason to buy new tools it is kind of nice when things are simple. I replaced one of the rear truck doors this summer because i had smashed it is pretty good on a grage door opening a while back and ended up having to by a special socket just to do one bolt!