GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

When I was looking a bit closer over my Vibe, I noticed that both the rear diff drain and fill plugs were super rusty. I stopped at the local dealer to see if I can buy new and was told one of them is NLA but the parts guy came me the size of both plugs which was nice. Both are the same (M8 x 1.5) except the drain plug is a tad bit longer (12 mm vs. 10 mm). A quick Google search I found this drain plug and I'm guessing using this plug for both drain and fill plugs won't hurt anything with them being the same length?

I can't see how the slight length difference could matter in a differential drain plug. Its job is just to not leak.

awdVibeNoobie wrote: ↑Fri Jul 26, 2019 7:55 amWhen I was looking a bit closer over my Vibe, I noticed that both the rear diff drain and fill plugs were super rusty.

When you say "super rusty", did you try to loosen them and they are stripped out or are they just 'rusty'?

The drain plug has a magnet in it to catch metal bits, but the fill plug does not.

Even stainless steel will rust when exposed to road salt brine...

joatmon wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27, 2019 4:40 am I can't see how the slight length difference could matter in a differential drain plug. Its job is just to not leak.

That's what I was guessing.

ehoff121 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27, 2019 7:50 am

awdVibeNoobie wrote: ↑Fri Jul 26, 2019 7:55 amWhen I was looking a bit closer over my Vibe, I noticed that both the rear diff drain and fill plugs were super rusty.

When you say "super rusty", did you try to loosen them and they are stripped out or are they just 'rusty'?

The drain plug has a magnet in it to catch metal bits, but the fill plug does not.

Even stainless steel will rust when exposed to road salt brine...

I haven't tried to loosen them yet. I want to change out the fluid and usually with my luck I strip out rusty nuts, bolts, screws, etc. I rather be safe then sorry and have new replacement drain plugs on hand.

Those will definitely be a PITA to remove. And remember: loosen the fill before the drain. You're SOL if you drain it, but can't break the fill open.

I'd also try to find some that you can fit a socket on instead of using a hex/allen key. As ehoff mentioned, the actual drain one will have a magnet (probably account for the different length).

zbyers wrote: ↑Mon Jul 29, 2019 2:50 amI'd also try to find some that you can fit a socket on instead of using a hex/allen key.

I have a hazy memory of a front transfer case that had a bolt for the fill- could have been on my wife's Highlander...

I know my 03 and 04 GT use a 10mm hex for fill plug, but a 22mm??? socket for the drain.

What material is the gasket for these plugs? Copper? Aluminum? Other?

awdVibeNoobie wrote: ↑Wed Jul 31, 2019 12:44 pm What material is the gasket for these plugs? Copper? Aluminum? Other?

Generally copper or steel. I don't know that I've seen an aluminum washer on these things. If it's like the transmission/oil pan, it's a crush washer.

I'll go with copper gaskets