Special Tool for Trans Plug?

[SilveradoWV]

Is there a special wrench or socket for the drain plug on the tranny pan? I was under there today and I dont have a socket that fits it. I first tried metric and a 15 (like 12 point) was really loose fitting. Then I went through the SAEs and none fit. So I tried a 15mm (6 point) and it still didnt fit tight enough IMO for me to try to use it. Does the dealer use a special socket or something? Also if I take off the shift linkage bracket is there a chance of messin something up, like what gear the dash says its in or anything? Thanks Guys!

[Import Hater]

GM has typically used 15mm or 9/16" on most vehicles. I'd try the 9/16ths in a 6 point.

 

Rob

[SilveradoWV]

I am pretty sure I tried a 9/16 6 point, I went through a few SAE in that size range and they wouldnt even come close. A 15mm was the closest I had but I think it was still too loose to get the plug out. GM has to have some trick!

[Bish]

I don't have the size handy but it came out of a standard socket set so it's no strange size. It is a very soft metal bolt and will round easily. Some came with the bolt WAY overtightened. After heating, cooling, stripping the head, snapping off 2 bolt extractors, and finally cutting a channel and using a chisel to get a good angle shot, I finally got it off. Was a royal PITA. New one is same soft metal but when torqued properly, it comes off easy now.

 

Good luck.

[cyrylyn]

I don't have the size handy but it came out of a standard socket set so it's no strange size. It is a very soft metal bolt and will round easily. Some came with the bolt WAY overtightened. After heating, cooling, stripping the head, snapping off 2 bolt extractors, and finally cutting a channel and using a chisel to get a good angle shot, I finally got it off. Was a royal PITA. New one is same soft metal but when torqued properly, it comes off easy now.

 

Good luck.

I just left it at rounded off.. I tried mashing a smaller socket on.. the dreaded vice grips, air tools.. nothing even budged it.

 

and no, as long as you don't bend the bracket that holds the linkage to the tranny, disconnecting it won't hurt anything. it's hydraulic, you can move the actuator and watch the arm on the dash move..

[Black02Silverado]

Just was under mine and yes it is a royal pain. Rounded it off like most. The 15mm six point seemed to fit the tightest for me but it even slipped no matter how carefull I was.

 

I think GM does it on purpose so you have to take it to them to change it. Another money maker to make up for the 0% financing money loss.

[Rippem]

Mine on my Alli came out easy just yesterday...for the first time. 7 qts. of fresh and a spin on as part of fall maintenence.

[325]

I've tried to remove my transmission plug also. No luck. No matter how hard I yanked or how much leverage I could get on it. Was scared to death I would round the head. 15mm seems to fit the best, but as mentioned above it's a loose fit and could easily slip. Dealership was no help. They said if it's too tight we just drop the pan and don't try to remove the plug.

 

Can anyone figure out how to get this thing out without rounding it?

[Cop_Dodger]

I've done several with no problems. I use a 3/8 impact with a 15mm.

[SilveradoWV]

I have a 15mm 6 point and didnt even try it, I know it will round the head off. GM has to have something special to get it off without a problem!

[Black02Silverado]

Well GM probably does have the same problem, just that they use the New Sear's easy out bolt extractor. That thing works great on rounded bolt heads. Then GM just replaces the bolt and probably charges it under warranty anyway. So if you need to remove a rounded off bolt, just go to Sears and pick up one of those kits. I got the impact set, kind of expensive at $64 a shot but it was the only kit that had the 15mm size. So now I'm set for anything, just hook up to the impact wrench and BINGO your done.

[325]

Cop Dodger,

 

It worked!! Thanks for the good advice. I finally got up the nerve to hit the transmission drain plug with a 3/8's air impact wrench and a 15mm six point impact socket and it came right off. Have to say I wasn't a believer, but what can I say. Your right. It worked. No problem. I do have to admit though, I closed my eyes and turned my head before pulling the trigger. Thank goodness I finally got that booger off!!! Once again, a great big Thanks.