GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020) Discussion about the 2013 and up GS models

Any tips on reinstalling the Front Diff fill plug?

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Old 10-23-23, 02:01 PM
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OutOfApplication
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Default Any tips on reinstalling the Front Diff fill plug?

I have a 2016 LEXUS gs350. It's up on the lift for all fluids to be changed. I'm stuck on the front diff, I had no problem getting the plugs out and pumping in the fluid, but I can't seem to manage to get the fill plug to thread in. There is nothing wrong with it, I guess my fingers are just too large. It's such a tight area! Thanks
Old 10-23-23, 02:48 PM
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I did finally get it. I chucked the fill plug in the Lathe and cut off the first thread so there was a small locating nose (Like many oil plugs have), then with my long flat ratcheting box wrench I was able to get it in. This sucked, This is poorly designed, a service item like this shouldn't be such a pain in the ***! I'd still be interested in hearing any tricks. Of if I'm the only one who thinks this is too tight fit ;-)
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gaki (10-26-23)
Old 11-26-23, 07:07 PM
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wenz
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Default agreed

Just had same issue. Like your solution. Took me 3 hours after taking wheel off and one hand below and one from wheel well. Only two fingers from below and two fingers from above, just kept trying until it started to thread. A huge pain. Smaller fingers would help, but I wasnt willing to jeopardize our marriage to get this fill plug in!
Old 11-27-23, 06:44 AM
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Knucklebus
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Originally Posted by wenz
Just had same issue. Like your solution. Took me 3 hours after taking wheel off and one hand below and one from wheel well. Only two fingers from below and two fingers from above, just kept trying until it started to thread. A huge pain. Smaller fingers would help, but I wasnt willing to jeopardize our marriage to get this fill plug in!
I did mine a year or so ago and I cannot, for the life of me, remember it being that hard. I did both front and rear at the same time and had nothing of memory about it being hard to do.

Now, rear wheel bearings! Those are a poorly designed setup!
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