What size is the rear diff bolt??

[nytoy]

Is there a special audi key or some crap to get into the rear diff? I've tried every size allen key I have, HELP!!

[djwimbo]

What do you mean "into the rear diff"?

The drive shaft is held in by allen bolts (6mm head), the Axles are held in by triple square bolts (IIRC 8mm), the axle flanges are held in by a Torx 40 IIRC, the bolts that hold the carrier to the diff are 8mm head allens and I think 8x1.25 thread.

[blmlozz]

all standardized bolts are used on the rear diff. Infact, the whole drive-train is standardized except for the transmission drain plug. Now, since I bought my B5 from a salt-driven area, I find that from time to time, espically with bigger allen bolts, enough dirt/rust will accumulate that it might seem like the right size won't fit, the only way is to either brake clean it or just tap it in a bit..

[nytoy]

all standardized bolts are used on the rear diff. Infact, the whole drive-train is standardized except for the transmission drain plug. Now, since I bought my B5 from a salt-driven area, I find that from time to time, espically with bigger allen bolts, enough dirt/rust will accumulate that it might seem like the right size won't fit, the only way is to either brake clean it or just tap it in a bit..

I'm using a 10mm allen to try and loosen the rear diff drain plug, pounding with a hammer to kicking it, it isn't moving.....
So I soaked it in PB-blaster overnight, maybe that will help?

Scott

[blmlozz]

I'm using a 10mm allen to try and loosen the rear diff drain plug, pounding with a hammer to kicking it, it isn't moving.....
So I soaked it in PB-blaster overnight, maybe that will help?

Scott

I never use any sort of wd-40 or pb-blaster unless as an absolute last resort, mostly because if it's seized enough to withstand kicking then adding that is just adding lubrication for the allen wrench to round off inside
I remember my rear diff plug was pretty hard on there too.. sometimes opening the fill-plug will release some pressure and make it break loose, other than that try not to kick but just push on it with your foot, kicking is going to round it off, keep your foot on the wrench and just pulse push it hard, and make sure you're going the right way, use a wrachet to see which way you need to go, just keep doing this, it should break free, eventualy.

if you have an impact wrench, this has helped me sometimes since it won't move as much as my foot will.

[nytoy]

I never use any sort of wd-40 or pb-blaster unless as an absolute last resort, mostly because if it's seized enough to withstand kicking then adding that is just adding lubrication for the allen wrench to round off inside
I remember my rear diff plug was pretty hard on there too.. sometimes opening the fill-plug will release some pressure and make it break loose, other than that try not to kick but just push on it with your foot, kicking is going to round it off, keep your foot on the wrench and just pulse push it hard, and make sure you're going the right way, use a wrachet to see which way you need to go, just keep doing this, it should break free, eventualy.

if you have an impact wrench, this has helped me sometimes since it won't move as much as my foot will.

Kicking was the wrong word prying with my foot applying continuous force is what I meant. The 10mm allen is in the fill plug is very snug, pb blaster isn't having any effect. Any now the exhaust at the turbo has fallen off! Oh well that's another search and then new thread...

[blmlozz]

Kicking was the wrong word prying with my foot applying continuous force is what I meant. The 10mm allen is in the fill plug is very snug, pb blaster isn't having any effect. Any now the exhaust at the turbo has fallen off! Oh well that's another search and then new thread...

try using a closed wrench to act like a pry bar to get some extra leverage ( put the closed end in the allen wrench and push on the wrench instead of the allen wrench.

that's helped me a few times.

[djwimbo]

You need one, or both of the following.

1. More leverage
2. to grow a pair.

If you knocked the exhaust loose, I'm impressed.

You are trying to turn the plug the correct direction correct?

[nytoy]

try using a closed wrench to act like a pry bar to get some extra leverage ( put the closed end in the allen wrench and push on the wrench instead of the allen wrench.

that's helped me a few times.

thanks, already tried that, yes turning the correct way...