Before I go out and get the following part, can anyone verify that a T70 Torx socket fits the Torx head drain bolt on a 2004 WRX manual transmission? It's been verified here that the T70 works for the front diff plug on 2004 front diffs (automatic tranny).
However - if it's a T70 (as I hear the front diff plug on 2004 automatics is) then I haven't seen a tool shop, hardware store, or auto parts store that carries this bit. I've only seen two US-based internet tool stores that have this part, and one has it in a 100+ piece set that I don't need. The others I've seen are based in England or New Zealand.
I've tried Sears, Home Depot, parts stores, tool stores, and tracked down a Snap-On Tool truck. They don't even have a T70 socket in their catalog. I'm thinking it's only going to be a matter a time before I can find this part in my local Sears for $10, but I can't find it now.
The T70 is hard to find - I picked up a set of torx stuff on eBay a while back which goes through T70 for internal and E20 for external torx - they are hard to find individually - if you search on google, there are a bunch of vendors which have them, usually as part of a set - I found one for $30 or so while looking around - lots of UK vendors - maybe one of them will ship?
The one I found was $21.95, and shipping started at $6.95. I'm thinking maybe I can find other tools I need/want and have them shipped in the same order.
This seems to be something Subaru sprung on unsuspecting owners of
2004 model year cars. I hear it's for the front diff plug on automatics, and I know it's on the manual tranny drain bolt for my
2004 WRX. I posted this picture in another thread:
I just got a response from Lisle Corp about whether they had one or were planning on making one:
"We were not aware that T70 torx fasteners were being used. At this time we have no plans to make a T70 torx bit socket. Thanks you for contacting Lisle Corporation.
Sincerely, Lisle Corporation"
I dug around, and it seems that some British auto makers have used the T70. T80, T90, and T100 Torx bits are also available in England. I think I'll just get that one I found - and maybe a clicker-type torque wrench on top of that to justify the shipping costs.
Still - I'd have to find someone with a T70 socket (a dealer service dept?). I was in to get an armrest extension installed this morning, and noticed my dealer charged a whopping $130 for transmission service (although it could be the auto). A new 6-pt magnetic drain bolt is probably $10-20. I think in the long run, it might just be a better idea to get the Torx socket (and not lose it).
I've actually got 4 quarts of Redline 75W90NS sitting in my garage. I figure the first oil change at 3K miles is as good a time as any to switch over.
I have no idea if the threads are the same or not, though. I would consider asking the dealer about the t70 bit, too - it's probably down as a subaru special tool or something like that - maybe it's not too expensive...
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