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TR4/4A Best way to remove transmission fill port?

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clanofwolves

Freshman Member
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I was going to check and top off if necessary the trans fluid but I am unable to remove the side plug. I have no idea why it's this snug. I do not wish to remove the carpet and tunnel to access it better. Does anyone know and easy way to get a tool on it or where a square shaped socket can be purchased?
 
You can use a small pipe wrench and then buy a new plug at any hardware store that sells plumbing items if it gets damaged. It's a tapered thread and does not need to be so tight that it's hard to remove. Use some Teflon Paste, not tape to get an extra seal. Also a few of the big 3 suppliers sell a special wrench that you can use on the trans plugs and the other end on the rear brake adjusters.
JVV
 
I have one of the square hole wrenches and it is rather soft for anything that is on really hard. A good adjustable crescent wrench has usually worked for me.
Charley
 
Go to an automotive parts store or Sears and buy a socket made for 7/16 inch square bolts. Get 1/2 inch drive then use a 12 to 16 inch breaker bar. It will come loose fairly easy with that. And you will have it for the sump drain plug as well.
Regards,
Bob
 
Put a source of heat under the gearbox, to get it as warm as possible (without setting fire to anything). The aluminum housing expands with heat faster than the steel plug does, so the plug will be looser when it and the housing are hot.

Then head off to your local tool store and get a 1/2" drive, 7/16" 8 point socket, which IMO gives you the best chance of getting the plug out without tearing it in half (and having to drill it out). Get a big breaker bar while you're there, and something to use to pry between the tunnel and the head of the breaker bar (to help hold the socket down on the plug). I got mine at Sears, but I couldn't find it on their web site just now, so maybe they've discontinued them. Might not work every single time, but has always worked for me even on plugs that others have given up on.

[url]https://www.protoindustrial.com/en/industrial-tools/Proto/Hand-Sockets/Sockets/fa667508-1eee-43f0-8e2b-e55b6d4134f0_Proto%C2%AE-1|2%22-Drive-Sockets---8-Point/J5414S_Proto%C2%AE-1|2%22-Drive-Socket-7|16%22---8-Point/

PS, here's one on Amazon [/URL]https://www.amazon.com/Williams-ST-...58670555&sr=8-53&keywords=8-point+socket+7/16
 
I like the looks of that Proto 8 point socket that Randall suggests. It looks somewhat shorter than the Craftsman one I got at Sears. If it is in fact shorter, that would give you more room between the transmission plug and the side of the transmission cover.
Regards, Bob
 
Clan.. I see you are in Raleigh, NC. If you want, I can help you get the plug out using my 8 point socket and breaker bar. PM me if you are interested.
Regards,
Bob
 
clanofwolves said:
I was going to check and top off if necessary the trans fluid but I am unable to remove the side plug. I have no idea why it's this snug. I do not wish to remove the carpet and tunnel to access it better. Does anyone know and easy way to get a tool on it or where a square shaped socket can be purchased?
Click to expand...

I've been through this. The hard way. If you strip that plug you'll be in some major hurt. I could tell you a long story involving carbide drill bits, etc.

I'd use absolutely nothing but a square wrench or square socket. Both can be purchased, somewhere. You can use a pipe or breaker bar for leverage, but do not use an open end wrench, vice grips, crescent wrench or anything else. If you absolutely must try a socket, which I would not do, be certain your edges aren't rounded off. I found a square socket as well as a square wrench and I'll bet you can, too. Maybe you can buy one, loan one, etc. Good luck and I hope you don't end up where I did once.
 
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