Transaxle Fluid

I just did a search of the forum, but didn't come up with anything; This can't be the first time this has been asked:

I have exactly one maintenance job left to do on my B: Change the transaxle oil. The problem is, I can't get the filler plug out. What size is this thing? None of my socket wrenches fit (one too big, one too small), and I don't see any of the suppliers offering a special tool. What am I missing?

BTW: I just had my front suspension rebuilt, and I can't believe how much more solid the handling feels. Night and Day! Expensive, but worth every penny. Which reminds me: I have a new left-hand swivel axle assembly that I'll sell for $100 to the first taker. I order a pair and didn't notice that they were both left hand until everything was apart...

I just put one of my ratchet extensions in the square hole & loosen it...1/2" or 3/4" extension, don't remember which

Hi Brian:

No one believes that you only have one maintenance item left but sounds good. The plug has a square opening as you can see, but.......it is tapered from 1/2 inch to 3/8 inch as it goes in. I have purchased a 3/4 in to 1/2 inch adapter that I plan to grind down to the appropriate taper, then use it on my 3/4 drive breaker bar. When I am done you can drop by and borrow it.

Regards, Manning

Great idea, Manning - and then you can give me a ride in the new GT! Of course, then I'll become convinced that I have to have one for those long trips and/or rainy days...

BTW, when I did mine, I just pushed up on the 1/2" drive to keep it in the tapered hole (with no socket or adapter on it) while turning. It did work, but if the plug had been even a little bit more stuck than it was I would not have suceeded.

Incidentally, the GT is running great with the SU's and I am driving it daily to work. Daughters love the Orange and won't hear about any change in color! Is easy to find in the parking lot in spite of the cars modest stature.
Manning

I think I got this from a Moss catalog, but I bought a $0.36 bolt (I forget the size, and filed it square in about five minutes. Works great . . . .

I have a tool that is made to take the plug out. I got it from Mac. Before I bought it I used a 1/2" extention. It will work as long as Bubba hasn't shown off his muscles putting it back in.

I just ground down an old 1/2# extention until it fit. Cost = $0. Works just fine.

Transaxle ???? Thought you might be working on Tony's new Corvair :-)

Or maybe a Krauter!!! :o)

give it 90 weight, or at least 85-90 and the plug takes a 1/2 inch drive ...first clean it out and the drive will fit. Also tilt it a little forward to make sure the fluid is really in there...it should take up half the housing.

Happy trails

Thanks for the feedback! Seems that the plug is in pretty tight, so I'm probably going to need something with very little play to get it out. I've been meaning to do this since last fall, but I've been having too much fun driving...

I think Bryan spent time working on VWs. :)

Was it a 5/8" bolt?

Krauters??? :o)