trhs75

A 10mm hex driver works on the rear drain and fill plugs, but the front drain and fill plugs are very flat 24mm bolt type. I can access the fill plug with an extender on a 1/2" drive socket wrench, but I just can't get it loose. The drain plug isn't tall enough for a crescent wrench to grip it well, and I'm starting to round off the bolt head. A thin-walled socket would fit over it, but there's not enough space to get access for the socket, much less the handle to turn it.

I'm thinking of having the dealer do it for me the first time (I'll have them put new plugs in, and hopefully they won't overtighten them which seems to have been done this last time), but I'm just annoyed I can't do it myself.

Is there a special wrench or socket to access the drain plug? Any tips?

Thanks!

Lexmex

The fill plug needs a pretty long ratchet to get at it. I have done this a few times. However, the last time, I had to PUSH IT WITH MY FOOT, in order to get it off, and finally that worked. I don't that there is a special trick, just that you have to have enough force to get it off.

trhs75

I was using my foot, too. (Great minds think alike?) That filler plug head is so short, I have trouble keeping enough pressure on the socket to keep it on the plug, then trying to use the other hand or foot to move the wrench handle. Did you find part of the frame in your way for the drain plug?

TunedRX300

Fill plug is a piece of cake considering the drain plug. That fill plug came off easy with a 6 point socket, 1/2 drive 10" extension and a 18" breaker bar. I used a lot of patience to wedge my Craftsman 24mm wrench with one hand, making sure the angled lock is secure with another and turn.
Anyone who managed to get front differential fluid changed would appreciate a good synthetic 75w-90 GL-5 gear oil to maximum time between changes.

Lexmex

Just for reference so people can see what we are talking about...here is the fill plug.

Lexmex

And drain plug.

thomas1

By the way I suggest a six point wrench or socket when doing this, you will have better support and less chance of rounding off the plugs...

TunedRX300

Six point Craftsman socket won't fit the drain plug Toyota has not left enough space to allow a regular socket to be inserted. Wrench must be angled because the plug in carved into a block of metal. If one has done the actual work, you will know what I am talking about. This is precisely why I said the fill plug is a piece of cake because of the dumb design of the drain plug.

Lexmex

A closer look at the fill plug.

Lexmex

I remember that drain plug, and it can be a pain, since it is so flat. I don't think my cousin Antonio got it off the first time he attempted it as such.

trhs75

I got some information from our Lexus dealer's shop foreman today. He laughed when he heard about my difficulty with the front differential drain plug, because it's given their techs fits, also. He says he has no special tool, because nothing fits on it. He says he engages the side of the drain plug with a chisel and taps it with a hammer to loosen it. Great design by Toyota, huh? I'm surprised they would let something like this slip through! I did e-mail Snap-On to see if they have an extra-short socket available. We'll see if they reply.

Lexmex

I may do some work on my filler plug on the transfer case this weekend. I ran out of Royal Purple gear oil (my uncle and I ate through that stuff on a variety of friends' vehicles) and have been looking for some substitutes down here in order to top off some gear oil that leaked out before we recently got the leak to stop. I probably will go to a BMW or Mercedes dealer and just grab some of their synthetic gear oil so I don't wind up paying by the case for Royal Purple (which is the only way it comes down here).

thomas1

I was able to get a six point socket, allied brand on that plug....I have also used a giller (old military) wrench that fits....

trhs75

Allied is an unfamiliar brand to me. Do you know who carries them? I looked up Allied online -- the stock photo didn't make the sockets look that short, but it was hard to tell.

I like the idea of a six-point.