Drain plug stripped

[fried.rich_]

Here to vent
Not the weekend I hoped for, went to change the front diff fluid on my Commander and found the drain plug completely stripped and the threads are toast. Guess I'm not riding anytime soon. someone out there had any luck fixing this without tearing the whole front end apart? Just feeling a bit defeated.

 

[DuneDrifter]

Take it easy,use an Easy Out. Grease the drill bit to catch chips, especially over a diff. Same deal if you end up drilling for a Heli-Coil. Patience beats busted threads every time

 

[commando]

@DuneDrifter has the right idea, but I'd still take out the diff cover and rethread the hole. Much more accessible and you'll be able to clean it up afterwards. THe best part is that you can try and retry until you get a snug fit like you should have

 

[Heartofgold]

So did you do this, or you bought it like this? Nothing personal, just trying to see if there really are pos people who don't tell you about these kinds of things.

 

[DirtCommand3r]

Ugh, that sucks, I feel your pain. I messed up the diff fluid plug on my old Grizzly once. It was cross-threaded big time. I had to drill it out and use a Heli-Coil kit. Greasing the bit like DuneDrifter said really helped. Taking it slow is key it worked out great in the end. I know it's annoying when this stuff ruins your ride plans, but you'll get it fixed!

 

[OffroadOutlaw]

I know exactly how that feels, I once stripped the oil drain plug on my old Kodiak right before a weekend trip. I had to tap it and use a slightly larger plug. I missed a day of riding, but now I always double-check those threads. You'll figure it out, probably quicker than you expect

 

[commando]

I know exactly how that feels, I once stripped the oil drain plug on my old Kodiak right before a weekend trip. I had to tap it and use a slightly larger plug. I missed a day of riding, but now I always double-check those threads. You'll figure it out, probably quicker than you expect

I'm curious how did that work out and how well did it hold? I'm an idiot and I'm known for stripping a bolt or two, so this hack could save in a tight spot