front differential problem

[sjr8ut]

Hello
I have a '94 1.6L w/3spd automatic. It has a front differential separate from the transaxle. The manual says that I need to check the fluid level by a filler plug on the rear of the differential--the problem is that the filler plug is rounded off. The plug is in a tight spot so that I can't get a socket around it. I am worried about it because some fluid came out as I changed the CV axle. Does anyone know of another way to check the diff. fluid level? Is it possible to drain it and somehow fill it back up through the drain plug on the bottom? Has anyone had a front differential go bad? If so, what should I be looking for.

[Erndog1369]

You'll need to get that fill plug out to fill the differential. You can use a long chisel and a hammer to give the plug a good whack in the counterclockwise direction to knock it loose. You'll need a replacement if you get it out, along with a new gasket (metal crush style). I've seen differentials go bad, not all that often though on Corollas though. Usually it becomes very noisy, especially on acceleration.
FYI, typically the fluid level in the differential is over the fill plug, and when you pulled the axle, you probably lost very little fluid. I have removed many axles, and when you pull the fill plug afterwards, fluid starts to come out of the fill hole, meaning the diff. is still full, but there is no guarantee that yours is still full.
Good luck.

[sjr8ut]

Thanks for the advice--I will try to knock the plug loose with a chisel. You are right about not loosing much fluid when I pulled the axle. Hopefully there is still a good amount in there.
Thanks again.

[jrickc]

Originally Posted by sjr8ut

Hello
I have a '94 1.6L w/3spd automatic. It has a front differential separate from the transaxle. The manual says that I need to check the fluid level by a filler plug on the rear of the differential--the problem is that the filler plug is rounded off. The plug is in a tight spot so that I can't get a socket around it. I am worried about it because some fluid came out as I changed the CV axle. Does anyone know of another way to check the diff. fluid level? Is it possible to drain it and somehow fill it back up through the drain plug on the bottom? Has anyone had a front differential go bad? If so, what should I be looking for.

You can do the following and it isn't that hard to do....
Drain differential......replace plug
Open hood and remove section of air cleaner hose ( 2 clamps)so you can get at speedometer cable connection..
disconnect speedometer cable by unscrewing and then pull up to dissconnect.
Remove small bolt from speedometer cable sender ...
pull out sender
you can get a long tube that attaches to fluid quart bottles at auto parts store. connect the hose to transmission fluid quart bottle and place end of hose in differencial ..add one and one half quart.... replace sender and bolt then reconnect cable and air cleaner hose..