Hey Guys,

Last year when doing my fluid changes I noticed that some of the threads from the diff came off with the plug. Well I bought a new plug (sharper threads etc) and was very very careful when I put it in. It snugged up and hasn't leaked, but I know that if I take it out again this spring to change fluids its going to strip.

Whats the best fix for this? Can I tap the hole and try and use a different style plug? Should I try and drill/insert a heli-coil?

Anyone ever have this 'issue'?

Thanks!

Eric

 

I would think that you could tap it out to the next larger thread size. Did you try to run a tap to clean the treads up before you reinstalled the plug?

 

I didn't run a tap in there, the first half of the threads were gone. The plug actually was able to be pushed in the hole about half way. Then it would thread in about two turns. Not nearly enough to take it out and put it back in.

I was just trying to see if this has happened to anyone else. I think I'll be searching for a new bolt and a tap to make it right once again! Thanks for any input!

 

Many moons ago Ford van oil pans had the same problem. The solution was a threaded screw in plug that had a smaller, harder grade bolt that threaded into it.

The same may work for you, check with auto parts stores.

 

I will def. look into that at the parts store! Thanks for the idea!

Anyone else have anything to add?