Front Differential Fluid Drain Plug

I crawled under my '03 Legacy L SE Wagon today and saw that the drain plug for the front different requires some 6-pointed star bit to remove. Does anyone know what size the bit is and what it's called? Something I can say to complete this sentence when I drop by Kragen, Autozone, or Home Depot..."Hi, I'm looking for a _____ to fit my 3/8" ratchet." Thanks in advance.

Reply to
ricardox
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Reply to
X-Eliminator

Torx bit.

Get some silly putty, playdoh or modeling clay, and make an impression of the drain plug. This way when you go into the store you will know what size you need and can match up the impression you made with the bits in the store.

-Tom

Reply to
T

Try the Sears website, and type in "torx" in the search area in the upper left.

There are a few options you might consider. Most Torx[tm] sockets seem to be for 3/8" drive, although the larger ones seem to fit

1/2" drive. Then there are T-handle and allen-wrench style Torx wrenches. I wouldn't recommend using a Torx screwdriver for this application unless you enjoy pain. :-)
Reply to
y_p_w

Reply to
Edward Hayes

Yeah - what I was getting at was that for something like this diff plug, a Torx screwdriver wouldn't generate high enough torque (no pun intended) to unscrew it. A breaker bar might even help if it's too tight. With a screwdriver, you could just end up with torn skin on your palms.

It might not be a Torx head either. Could be a large hex head. Does the following Torx head socket look like it might fit (I'm not saying it's the right size):

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Reply to
y_p_w

I don't know. It looks kinda like an asterisk *

Do they make them that big? I'm guessing 17 mm, like the other drain plugs...

I'll contact SOA and see what they say...

Thanks...

Reply to
ricardox

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Reply to
Edward Hayes

ricardox a écrit :

If it's 5/8" (15mm) across the tips of the points it's a Torx T-70, like the manual transmission drain plug on a 2004 Impreza. Nearby dealer didn't even know what I was talking about.

Regular tool places stop at T-60.

I finally found a 5/8" hex bit at an industrial tool place which you can fit in a 5/8" socket (or with a piece of tape in a 16mm socket). Cost me 70$cdn + tax for the bit (over 50$US before tax).

It took a prybar and a lot of muscle to get it loose.

Now, (again), anyone know the proper torque for this plug ? Even the manual has never heard of it.

Reply to
Paul Pedersen

Dear Mr. Lee:

Thank you for your e-mail inquiry regarding technical information on your 2003 Subaru Legacy L Wagon. There is no servicing required on the differential or transmission fluids other than a visual inspection every 30,000 miles. Fluid replacement is not required. We recommend that you utilize your authorized Subaru dealer should you feel the need to service or inspect the transmission or differentials. If you are performing your own maintenance, I.E. oil changes, etc., it is your responsbility to keep records in the form of paid receipts for materials such as motor oil and filters, so that if you should require warranty service in the future, you can provide proof of maintenance.

If for some reason, you still feel the need to obtain a Subaru-specific tool for your differential, we suggest you contact your Subaru dealer Parts Department. They can provide you with pricing and availability of specific tools, parts, and accessories. Your nearest Subaru dealer is:

Sierra Subaru

1450 S Shamrock Ave Monrovia, CA 91016 626-359-8291 Distance 8.6 miles

We are sorry that we were not able to provide you with the specific information directly. If you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 1-800-SUBARU3. Best wishes!

Samir Hasan Customer-Dealer Services

So I suppose they prefer I stay out of there...

Reply to
ricardox

Sounds line a Torx head then.

Well - the sizes are called Tx, with T5 the size of small cell phone screws. I had the screw from a headliner mount fall off, and I used a T15 screwdriver to install the new one. It sounds like yours may be one of the larger numbers (i.e. T50-T60). I looked at the Home Depot website, and they don't seem to have Torx sockets (their website may not be complete though). I'm sure Sears (or Orchard Supply Hardware) has them.

Good luck.

Reply to
y_p_w

I just went to a local hardware store, and they stopped at T40. I found the following at Yahoo Shopping:

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T70 socket for a 1/2" drive wrench - $21.95. They also have one (costs more) for a 3/8" drive wrench.

The following tool set ($119) has a 1/2" T70 socket"

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Man - makes you wonder why they didn't just use a 3/8" or

1/2" square drive fitting. I'm hoping my WRX has needs something a bit easier to find. Anyone know?
Reply to
y_p_w

I checked under my car. The 2004 WRX tranny uses a funky Torx head bolt (T70 I suppose) with what appears to be a copper crush washer. I got my camera under there and took a picture. It's the largest Torx fitting I've ever seen.

This doesn't seem to be the same 21mm 6-point bolt shown for the following tranny change directions for a 2002 WRX:

I'm guessing Subaru switched to a funky Torx head to keep people from trying DIY tranny fluid changes.

I also got a better look at the rear diff - just two bolts with 1/2" square drive fittings. The bolts seemed to have some sort of hardening sealant. Would crush washers work instead? Here's a picture - it shows a bit more than the picture in the manual - you can see the sealant oozing.

Reply to
y_p_w

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