Stripped Differential Drain Plug
Although Ronjenx mentioned a tapered pipe thread, I'd try the tap (correct thread size and pitch) and investigate any other size options "just in case" if you change plugs be sure it's magnetic. Use a high temperature washer, either of the "crush" variety or fiber or a hight temp neoprene. You have nothing to lose. Check it every few days for leaking or seeping. I love JB weld but it wont stick to an oily surface. Not many other products will either IMO. Let us know what you finally do. BTW, a little seepage is no problem
Although Ronjenx mentioned a tapered pipe thread, I'd try the tap (correct thread size and pitch) and investigate any other size options "just in case" if you change plugs be sure it's magnetic. Use a high temperature washer, either of the "crush" variety or fiber or a hight temp neoprene. You have nothing to lose. Check it every few days for leaking or seeping. I love JB weld but it wont stick to an oily surface. Not many other products will either IMO. Let us know what you finally do. BTW, a little seepage is no problem
I mentioned the use of caution if re-tapping the hole because the farther in the tapered pipe tap goes to fix the threads, the bigger the hole gets. You may find the plug disappears before it gets tight.
In case anyone is curious, this wont help the OP as he is a bit hooped, but yes the fill plug will work in the drain hole. I learned this upon reassembling everything, filling it up, then realizing I was holding the magnetic plug while the dud one was in the drain hole.
[QUOTE=ssbfgc;3896827]So I was being an idiot and accidently rounded the threads on my front differential drain bolt of my '13 JKU
I can't really explain how I did it, but I definitely rounded the threads on the bolt. It lools like the cover threads are okay though, bit hard to tell. I'm hoping the delearship has these in stock as no auto parts store carries them. Is it fine if I drive to the dealership to pick one up? Drive is about 5 miles one way. Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE
You really don’t have a clue
I can't really explain how I did it, but I definitely rounded the threads on the bolt. It lools like the cover threads are okay though, bit hard to tell. I'm hoping the delearship has these in stock as no auto parts store carries them. Is it fine if I drive to the dealership to pick one up? Drive is about 5 miles one way. Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE
You really don’t have a clue
By all means, unless extremely buggered up as in it goes in but continues to turn because all the threads were literally pulled out a tap will straighten the threads.
Just as it is pipe threads be careful not to over tap it by running the tap all the way through the hole.
Once you get the threads straightened out if they are a little loose rather than over tightening the plug consider a wrap of teflon tape on the plug, this is pipe thread after all and the tape is meant to seal pipes.
Just good and snug is all you need, it’s just a plug it’s not holding anything all you need is enough torque to keep it from falling out.
Worst case there are rubber plugs that the quicky oil change places use for when they strip an oil pan. I don’t like them, but apparently they do work.
https://www.autozone.com/external-en...lug/256832_0_0
Just as it is pipe threads be careful not to over tap it by running the tap all the way through the hole.
Once you get the threads straightened out if they are a little loose rather than over tightening the plug consider a wrap of teflon tape on the plug, this is pipe thread after all and the tape is meant to seal pipes.
Just good and snug is all you need, it’s just a plug it’s not holding anything all you need is enough torque to keep it from falling out.
Worst case there are rubber plugs that the quicky oil change places use for when they strip an oil pan. I don’t like them, but apparently they do work.
https://www.autozone.com/external-en...lug/256832_0_0
Last edited by a64pilot; Sep 13, 2024 at 04:56 AM.




