Front Differential Fluid Drain Plug

[ricardox]

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.

 

[X-Eliminator]

The bit is called a Torx, but don't know the size.

=====================================================

 

[T]

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

 

[y_p_w]

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.

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

<http://www.sears.com>

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.

 

[Edward Hayes]

If the torx thread is the same as the hex on my Subaru you will need a 3/8
drive ratchet just to get it loose as they are put in tight and a
screwdriver type tool won't budge it. eddie

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.

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

<http://www.sears.com>

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.

 

[y_p_w]

If the torx thread is the same as the hex on my Subaru you will need a 3/8
drive ratchet just to get it loose as they are put in tight and a
screwdriver type tool won't budge it. eddie

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):

http://content.sears.com/data/product_images/009/42664/00942664000-dlv.jpg

 

[ricardox]

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...

 

[Edward Hayes]

The last time someone on a Subaru news group was looking for the size he
found the size but no one carried it like sears,autoparts stores or tool
stores. If you find one please post back as it sounds like a special
industrial size. eddie

 

[Paul Pedersen]

ricardox a écrit :

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.

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.

 

[ricardox]

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...

 

[y_p_w]

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

Sounds line a Torx head then.

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

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.

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

Good luck.

 

[y_p_w]

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).

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

http://www.toolsource.com/ost1/prod...2900&mscssid=P32HX84721T12GVU00J74FSANHNA1LA4

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"

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44808

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.

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?

 

[y_p_w]

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?

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.

<http://home.earthlink.net/~calvbfan/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/transmission_plug.jpg>

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

<http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1743>

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.

<http://home.earthlink.net/~calvbfan/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/rear_diff.jpg>