Front diff fill bolt seized

[Richard Kim]

Any suggestions? I nearly threw out my back trying to loosen the fill bolt on my front diff (2016 so American Axle). Lefty loosey righty tighty correct? About to put a jack to it. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GsRAM]

So long as your turning it the correct way, I'd soak it with PB Blaster, let it sit overnight, spray it again and then try it.

If it still won't move put some heat on it but be careful of surrounding components.

 

[crazy jerry]

i think the bolt is around 25ftlb then they paint over the top of it so thats part of why its hard to loosen. use a longer 1/2 in ratchet with 3/8 adapter.

 

[Richard Kim]

Appreciate the suggestions. Will get some PB. The bolt direction is normal (left = loose) correct?

 

[csuder99]

Yes it's regular thread. I never liked the left/right analogy as there are many ways that can screw (pun intended) you, e.g. when the bolt or nut is facing away from you.

 

[Gr8bawana]

Isn't the backside of the fill plug soaked with gear oil all the time? Doesn't seem like it could be rusted in place.

 

[SeppW]

1/2 or better breaker bar. Right-handed threads.

 

[RandomRam]

Hit it with a torch for a few seconds. Nothing crazy, one of those propane torches will do nicely. Used that on broken intake manifold bolts on a Chevy 350.

 

[IRSmart]

Life lesson, keep a 3 foot pipe around at all times. I picked one up from Home Depot for about $8. It’s just big enough that it slips over my 3/8” socket, turning it into a huge breaker bar. I call it “the bar of encouragement” lol

 

[crazy jerry]

pb wont even get to the threads because like i said it probly has thick paint over everything and the bolt head is sealed against the cover with a gasket. besides the bolt isnt rusted anyways, its just tight from the factory. heat on the bolt is useless as you dont want it to expand and youll just melt the rubber washer behind the bolt head. heat on the cover likely would melt the bolt gasket as well. put the ***** 3/8 ratchet away and get a long 1/2" and use some huevos

 

[Halligan]

When looking at the cover you want to go counterclockwise with plug. I second a quick hit of heat followed by a longer handled ratchet or cheater pipe. Just remember if you snap the weld on the threaded **** the plug screws into your kind of SOL. At that point just order a new cover and plug from the dealer. Good luck.

 

[Richard Kim]

You guys are awesome! Posted this on Ram Forumz; viewed 90+ times with 0 comments. Sticking to this forum from now on.

 

[IRSmart]

You guys are awesome! Posted this on Ram Forumz; viewed 90+ times with 0 comments. Sticking to this forum from now on.

Welcome home

 

[crazy jerry]

2days and still the bolt is kicking your ass ?

 

[GsRAM]

You guys are awesome! Posted this on Ram Forumz; viewed 90+ times with 0 comments. Sticking to this forum from now on.

Good choice! This is a good forum with lots of helpful folks. Did you get the plug out?

 

[Halligan]

OP, how did you make out with this?

I'm sure anyone who posted in this thread already knows this but for a newbie starting out doing their own maintenance I'd like to add that this situation is exactly why you always remove the fill plug first before you drain anything.

Kind of sucks if you decide one evening to drain and refill your front differential while throwing back a couple cold ones. Only to find out once your drain pan is full of old gear oil that you can't remove the fill plug, the dealer is closed, and you need to be at work for 7am.

 

[Richard Kim]

Sorry for the delayed response. I ordered a 3/8 breaker bar. It should be coming in the mail soon. Believe it or not it was sold out at the local Harbor Freight tools! Will keep everyone updated!

 

[EastWestHemi]

I checked the condition of the fluid a couple months ago. 20k miles in 3.5 years.... didn’t remember the plug being overly tight, kind of remember it being easy. Do you live in an area where they salt the roads?

I ended up only changing my rear fluid, since my truck has only been in 4wd a few times. I’m not really sure when to change the front when is doesn’t get used and I live in a warm climate with not a lot of precipitation.

 

[Richard Kim]

I checked the condition of the fluid a couple months ago. 20k miles in 3.5 years.... didn’t remember the plug being overly tight, kind of remember it being easy. Do you live in an area where they salt the roads?

I ended up only changing my rear fluid, since my truck has only been in 4wd a few times. I’m not really sure when to change the front when is doesn’t get used and I live in a warm climate with not a lot of precipitation.

Live in Houston. Drove couple of times on the beach but I don’t think that was the issue. Finally got a 17” 3/8 breaker bar and got it unstuck. Changed the fluid at 85K miles. It was dark but still looked pretty good.

 

[Richard Kim]

Again many thanks to all for the suggestions! Really appreciate the insight.