Question on Transmission Drain Bolt - Audi 1.8T

**d0nkeyxpunch** · 04-08-2014 10:45 AM

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**d0nkeyxpunch** · 04-08-2014 03:17 PM

I guess this has not happened to anybody else.

**MrSnickelsnizer** · 04-08-2014 03:23 PM

I just removed mine two weeks ago to check level. It should tighten down. Odd that yours does not. And I doubt that this has happened to anyone beyond you. Also torquing that is not such a big deal really :/ Which bolt did you take out? The big female torx screw on top or the large allen head female screw on the side next to axle.

**Mad Cow** · 04-08-2014 03:24 PM

If it's spinning without going deeper something's stripped, just because it looked fine coming out doesn't mean you didn't screw something up putting it in.

**BaseDrifter** · 04-08-2014 03:34 PM

Have you just been "tightening" it or did you use a torque wrench to the proper spec? When the drain plug is installed properly there will still be threads showing. The torque spec is quite low, though I don't have it off hand.

**redline380** · 04-08-2014 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by lm0812

Have you just been "tightening" it or did you use a torque wrench to the proper spec? When the drain plug is installed properly there will still be threads showing. The torque spec is quite low, though I don't have it off hand.

fill plug is 18 ft lbs, drain is 26 ft lbs.

OP, you gotta remember the tranny only has aluminum threads. those are easily damaged. guessing those threads are no stripped. sucks

**d0nkeyxpunch** · 04-08-2014 04:22 PM

I'm referring to the 16mm tamper drain plug (see below). The plug goes in deeper and deeper as I tighten it and gets tighter. I set my torque wrench to 26 ft/lbs. Notice how there are some threads left in the pic below? Well mine has about half that meaning it went in deeper than what it was stock. If I kept on tighening over and over, the drain bolt will end up inside the casing. lol

**NOT my pic! Used as reference**

**redline380** · 04-08-2014 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by d0nkeyxpunch

I'm referring to the 16mm tamper drain plug (see blow). The plug goes in deeper and deeper as I tighten it and gets tighter. I set my torque wrench to 26 ft/lbs. Notice how there are some threads left in the pic below? Well mine has about half that meaning it went in deeper than what it was stock. If I kept on tighening over and over, the drain bolt will end up inside the casing. lol

That makes a lot more sense now! torque to 26 ft lbs and forget about it

**d0nkeyxpunch** · 04-08-2014 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by redline380

That makes a lot more sense now! torque to 26 ft lbs and forget about it

The thing is that the plug isn't tight enough for my torque wrench to make the click sound. It will just keep going and going. I'm so confused. lol

There is no drips so far. The only thing I'm worried about is if I messed up anything like the threads on the casing.

**Mad Cow** · 04-08-2014 05:20 PM

Ok that makes sense now. Same thing happened to me, I tightened to spec but it felt like it should go further so I did just a bit more and left it at that. No leaks either. What's the range of your torque wrench? I have one that begins at around 10 ft/lbs but it won't click until it's well into the 20s. You can't trust a torque wrench at its lower limit, I learned that lesson the hard way a few years ago when I completely destroyed the threads on a pair of nuts and had to cut them apart, ruining a brand new shock mount in the process.

**d0nkeyxpunch** · 04-08-2014 05:56 PM

BTW the pic posted is not my pic. I only used it as reference.

I have a Craftsman torque wrench and it starts from 20 ft/lbs and goes all the way to 120.

**Mad Cow** · 04-08-2014 06:23 PM

That's the wrong wrench for anything below 50-60 ft/lbs, you need a torque wrench in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 in if you want to torque everything properly. It's safer to use a regular 3/8 ratchet than a 1/2 torque wrench for a job like this, the 1/2 wrench has way too much leverage to let you reliably 'feel' a tightening torque that low.

**Nate01A4** · 04-08-2014 06:50 PM

Its a craftsman torque wrench. I used to have those and always had problems with them. Get a quality torque wrench from Precision Instruments. Very accurate. Mine says accuracy within +/- 2%. Never have problems any more. Just giving my experience.

**redline380** · 04-08-2014 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by Nate01A4

Get a quality torque wrench from Precision Instruments. Very accurate.

Guess who makes Snap On torque wrenches? Same exact thing besides the head

**Nate01A4** · 04-08-2014 07:45 PM

yah I know! Im just saying Ive had bad luck with the craftsman ones. and you pay more for the snap on name. and you dont have to deal with the snap on dealer! My dealer sucks!

**redline380** · 04-08-2014 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by Nate01A4

and you dont have to deal with the snap on dealer! My dealer sucks!

The snap on guy is a douche. I really like the mac dealer though. pretty cool guy. not sure where you work but our mac dealer is Paul Beninga. Pretty cool dude

**Nate01A4** · 04-08-2014 08:29 PM

Mac guy here is cool too. Tools are good and much better priced. Audi head bolt socket $16 dollars with an extra bit. Matco and Snap On over $50 for just one! St. Cloud Tech college diesel instructor told the snap on guy not to come back even because he never warrantys his tools. I waited 1 year 3 months to warranty my knipex. just got it last week. I work at Knife River Im a diesel mechanic. I work on their trucks and loaders.

But for that plug, try throwing some pipe tape on there (good 3m brand, its thick) or pick up some Permatex gasket maker. It dries hard like loctite, but is more resistant to oil for drying and snug it up. You should be able to feel by hand if its tight enough.