Diff Filler Bolts

[Wookie]

Has anyone got any tips to remove the filler bolts on the diff? I want to change the diff oil, and both upper and lower bolts are extremely tight. Any ideas how to get the buggers loose?

[DanThe]

'Bigger' alan key

[Wookie]

Would it be fine to put a piece of pipe on the end of the allen key then use a hammer?

[Martinaston]

I had the allen key type and with the car on a 4 post lift i could swing on it and they would not budge.
I resorted to a set of allen key attachments and used a breaker bar.

[fuzzy]

allen key and a hammer, one quick hit should be enough to free them.

[Brianmoooore]

ALWAYS undo the filler first, gearbox or diff, unless you fancy the possibility of rolling the car to refill them.

[Ziggy]

Last time I needed to get one undone, I didn't have the right allen key. So I found an old bolt with the same sized hex head on it, filed flats onto it for the mole grips to grab, and robert's your mothers brother. So much more satisfying than going to halfrauds / searching the garage for the right tool!

ALWAYS undo the filler first, gearbox or diff, unless you fancy the possibility of rolling the car to refill them.

Damn good advice there... I think taking the diff/gearbox out would possibly be easier than rolling the car, but all the same...

[Brianmoooore]

I didn't have the right allen key. So I found an old bolt with the same sized hex head on it, filed flats onto it for the mole grips to grab,

I have the correct tool somewhere, but often can't find it when I need it!
I do something similar to the above - Fit two nuts onro the bolt. and screw them tightly together. Put the bolt head in the filler plug, and unscrew with a spanner on the inner nut.

[320Touring]

Machine mart do a "clarke oil drain plug" set that has the correct hex fitment.

£15 gets you a set of six-ideal for all sorts of plugs on a variety of cars.

they can be driven by ratchet (and appropriate socket) too-so no need for "special" tools