EHarris

Just did the diff fluid in my front and rear and also did transfer case. Went to look under the jk before a trip today and noticed that it looks as if the drain bolt is slightly leaking. Did I over torque this? I also used a wire wheel brush to clean the threads when I did the change. Maybe I damaged it then?

Double checked and its on there tight. Didn't have a torque wrench when I did the job so the only thing I can think of is that it's cross threaded, damaged, or too tight? Sorry for the beginner wrench question.

jadmt

Did you use pipe thread sealant? I always use some. Does not look like enough of a seep to hurt anything. If it bugs you pull the plug put some sealant on the threads and call it good. You would have had to ham fist it to cross thread it.

EHarris

Ok cool I didn't put anything on the threads. I didn't know I was supposed to. Plumbing gas line pipe thread sealer? I think I used to call it pipe dope.

karls10jk

You didn't damage the plug or the cover but Teflon tape or the plumbing stuff mentioned above are a good idea. You may be able to put a little more turn on it and see if it'll stop the leaking but Teflon tape is just easier. I use it on my oil pan plug.

EHarris

A local member helped me do it 50k ago. When I pulled the plug the threads were clogged up with some form of locker or tape. That's why I cleaned it on the wire wheel brush.

EHarris

Just an update to this. I tried to put slightly more turn into the plugs but they are still weeping. I don't have any of the plumber gas pipe thread seal but I do have gasket maker. Anyone see any reason I shouldn't use this on the fill and drain bolts of the front and rear diff? Thanks for maybe saving me a headache down the road. Just gotta refill them to make sure the fluid is at the correct level again and then seal them good for the next 40k.

ronjenx

Isn't that a straight thread, with a crush washer to create the seal?

karls10jk

I've got an aftermarket oil pan with a poorly fashioned fitting for a drain hole. Sit the jeep on that plug out on the rocks and it created a little play in the threads that isn't supposed to be there. I bought a plug with a rubber gasket at the head and it still wasn't quite right.

In short- I'm not sure what type of fastener it's supposed to be but this seems to work for my scenario.

EHarris

Am I good to go with this gasket maker stuff?

ronjenx

Try it. Leave the first 2 threads clean. Torque for the OEM plug in the OEM cover is 25 ft/lbs.
The worst that can happen is you will have to remove it and use teflon tape or pipe thread paste.