Manual Transmission filler and drain nuts, Need help Options

[ILoveMySilly97]

I have a st204 standard transmission. Planning on changing my fluid to Pennzoil synchromesh to see if it'll help out on the 3rd gear grind. Now I know that they're 24mm nuts and I have the wrench and socket for it. The only problem I have is trying to break them loose. Them nuts are just so skinny and flat and big that it's so easy to strip them. Also they're in a hard angle too. Anyone have any ideas or tricks?

[Malek]

I used a short 24mm 3/8drive socket on a 8in ratchet with a 2ft. breaker bar. I slide half of my jack handle over the ratchet handle as my ghetto breaker. Though, that combination is worth its weight in gold. I don't know how many stubborn bolts I've gotten off with that thing haha

Also, I undid both of them from underneath the car..just go for it!

[richee3]

Funny, I just had to do this tonight. I have to use an end wrench for the drain plug, but my 3/8 ratchet does the job for the fill plug. I've never had any problems breaking mine loose though. Try Malek's method, a cheater bar works wonders.

[ILoveMySilly97]

Short? Short meaning the regular size right? Or is there short ones, reg ones, and deep ones? Lol. I did use a cheater bar btw. Did it twice and slipped the filler nut twice. Didn't want to risk stripping it anymore so I just stopped and came here. I really wished it was. 17mm like other cars. Would've made it easier. Or made the nut bigger since its 24mm.

[Malek]

hmm..you may want to try a 12 point socket if you keep slipping off like that. I usually hold the ratchet head on the bolt to make sure I'm putting even pressure around it..It really shouldn't be that hard to turn!

I remember getting one of those off with an adjustable wrench

[ILoveMySilly97]

Lol. I was using a 12 point socket too btw. With my left hand on it to put pressure on it also. I think ima have to try it again but this time with my older bro holding it in place while I break it loose.

[Syaoran]

When you manage to take it out, get a M18x1.5 bolt with a better head for easier removal next time. You should be able to find them at Pepboys, Napa, Advance Auto Parts and Autozone in the bolts/washers/fittings/pcv valves/etc section.

The way I did it was as somebody mentioned above. I held the ratchet against the bolt with one hand from the top of the car for the fill plug.

I used a long 24mm socket though.

This post has been edited by Syaoran: Mar 26, 2013 - 12:58 AM

[ILoveMySilly97]

That m18x1.5 is for bother the fill and drain nuts right?

[JoshuaM]

Oohh, I have the 3rd gear grinds too and was ignoring it because I didn't want to have to drop out the tranny... Let us know if this helps!

[ILoveMySilly97]

Oohh, I have the 3rd gear grinds too and was ignoring it because I didn't want to have to drop out the tranny... Let us know if this helps!

A lot of 6gc members has done this and it seems to be the best cure or aid for our common 3rd gear grind.

[JoshuaM]

Oohh, I have the 3rd gear grinds too and was ignoring it because I didn't want to have to drop out the tranny... Let us know if this helps!

A lot of 6gc members has done this and it seems to be the best cure or aid for our common 3rd gear grind.

That's great! I don't know why I haven't seen any posts about it before... I guess I always just skip the boring maintenance and look at the engine swaps and project threads

I now have another thing to add to the list for my big service coming up

[Syaoran]

That m18x1.5 is for bother the fill and drain nuts right?

Yes. When you take them out you'll see it's the exact same bolt.

[ILoveMySilly97]

That m18x1.5 is for bother the fill and drain nuts right?

Yes. When you take them out you'll see it's the exact same bolt.

Ok. Thanks for this info.

[rave2n]

Soak them in PB blaster for a day. That'll loosen them up nicely.

Correct socket, and dead blow mallet. Comes right out.

I've tried before with other agents, with no success.

[presure2]

and stay away from the 12pt socket if you can, it will just round the head off faster.
i bought a 24mm wrench down @ the local autozone just for this purpose, use it from under the car (with the underplastic removed, obviously) with a hammer or mallet works for me every time.

[ILoveMySilly97]

and stay away from the 12pt socket if you can, it will just round the head off faster.
i bought a 24mm wrench down @ the local autozone just for this purpose, use it from under the car (with the underplastic removed, obviously) with a hammer or mallet works for me every time.

You can get to it with a wrench. At least not the filler nut from the bottom.

[ILoveMySilly97]

I officially given up. My brother and I was battling this filler nut for an hour and half. Im just going to take it into the shop before I strip it even more.

[mkernz22]

Use a 1/2" drive and a 24mm socket. Then jack the car up enough to get the drive on the filler one. It's actually easier to use a breaker bar for it. Or use a 1/2" drive and hit it with a decent small sledge hammer. I got it broken free on my friends car. It's really not that hard or difficult as it seems, just have to use the right technique

[ILoveMySilly97]

Use a 1/2" drive and a 24mm socket. Then jack the car up enough to get the drive on the filler one. It's actually easier to use a breaker bar for it. Or use a 1/2" drive and hit it with a decent small sledge hammer. I got it broken free on my friends car. It's really not that hard or difficult as it seems, just have to use the right technique

I used a cheater bar and hammer. Everytime I hit it or pull it. It just slips right off. The angle of the nut is just too damn ugly. It's like in a 45 degree angle or something. Only if I had a impact gun. Would've been easier. Plus the heads about stripped enough to where the socket slips easily with a little nudge.

[bsamps4]

I got pissed at mine and gave it a quick blip with my impact gun. Just enough to break the tension, then I used a ratchet to get it the rest of the way. FYI I would not recommend doing this with a cheap non-variable speed gun. Mine is variable speed and I barely blipped the bolt.

[ILoveMySilly97]

Yea. I don't have an impact gun so I'm just going to take it in to a local lube shop. They quoted me only $20 if I bring in my own fluid which I have in hand already. Just waiting til I have time to take it in.