Differential drain plug washer

[upswept]

Does anybody have a part number for the washer that seals the differential drain and fill plugs? The dealer has no number, only the number for the entire plug assy. Also, how much torque is applied to those plugs when installed? Thanks.

[TomatoSoup]

Try looking it up on parts.nalleygmc.com (you'll need to enter your car model info first, but then bookmark the resulting page for later reference).

For example, here's my bookmark: 2008 Pontiac Solstice TURBO 2 DR CONVERTIBLE Parts

Enter "differential" in the 'Keyword' search field, and browse the 'Matching Assemblies' section, brings up this: http://parts.nalleygmc.com/showAssem...g=differential. Maybe you can find your part there, though I dont see a separate washer.

[idkfa]

Hey, that's a great resource. Thanks!

[upswept]

Yes, a good resource. But, washers are not available by themselves. I don't want the entire plugs, just the washers.

[TomatoSoup]

Originally Posted by upswept Yes, a good resource. But, washers are not available by themselves. I don't want the entire plugs, just the washers.

So there's your answer then. But the plug's not that expensive and you're only doing it once every 5 years maybe, right?

You'll probably find it's a captured washer anyway. Otherwise, try taking the plug to a decent autoparts place and see if they have a copper washer to fit.

[vroompsh]

I've changed the fluid in my diff a couple times and have never replaced any washer or plug. I've never had a problem with it.

I've also never changed a oil drain plug washer on any vehicle and have never had a problem with that either.

[jwvess00]

Hi there!

I didn't replace the washers on my Solstice, and it was fine. Just watch for leaks.

I have had to replace oil drain plug gaskets. Either they just disintegrate over time (plastic/rubber), or someone previous to my ownership decided to see how tight they could install the drain plug and ruined it.

My Subaru has crush washers on the drain plugs (engine, transmission, and I think both differentials but I don't remember for sure). These are replaced at every change. They're about $1 from the Subaru dealer, and if you buy an oil filter there (which is just as cheap as the auto parts chain stores), they just trot one out at the same time.