Hey guys, after reading through the DIY for the differential fluid change, it seems like both a 24mm socket and a 23mm box end wrench are recommended. Particularly the latter because of the tight space between the bolt and the beam. Instead of purchasing these 2 items though, is there anything wrong with just using an adjustable wrench on these bolts? Just trying to figure out why everyone's spending hard earned money on a 24mm socket and 23mm box end wrench, unless I'm missing something.

 

Adjustable wrenches tend to be of lower quality and will have more slack than your typical wrench sets. They are more prone to rounding off nuts/bolts and slipping.

An adjustable wrench is fine for something around the house with very little torque, but on a car, you don't want to round off the edges of any of your bolts.

 

IMO....tools are an investment,Not a one-time expense.

Buy the sockets & wrenchs and forget the adjustable.

Northern tool or Sears can be your friend!

\rlr
Carolina

 

A box end wrench on the fill bolt just feels right, when you buy a 23mm box end wrench it is going to be nice and long so you will get good torque on the bolt to crack it loose with ease. It just hangs down and you give it a quick snap loose. Like mentioned above you avoid any chance of rounding the bolt. IMO you don't want to round off that bolt, especially if you happen to open the drain bolt first (which shouldn't be done for that reason). I'm sure an adjustable wrench will work fine 90% of the time, but the box end wrench is the best tool for the job IMO. The 24mm socket is a no-brainer, you don't want to use an adjustable wrench on that bolt, at least I would never try it.

 

Agree with the need for the specific tools for this. I got both the wrench and the socket at Autozone for about $22--- it is an investment as now i have them for future changes. You don't need the highest quality ones as the bolts are not in that tight.

 

If you really think it isn't worth the money then don't buy 'em. However, consensus is that it is worth the money for the reasons listed.

I'll add that it's often cheaper to do things the right way than it is to take short cuts, but some people like short cuts even if they get bit ever now and then.

 

I don't think you can fit an adjustable wrench on the drain, as the bolt is recessed in the diff housing.

 

Thanks guys. I ended up purchasing a 24mm socket and 23mm box end wrench online.

 

right tools for the right job...

 

I tried the adjustable wrench the first time I changed my diff fluid... it was obvious it wouldn't work because the bolt is recessed in the diff housing so I bought the socket that day. I did use an adjustable for the fill bolt, and still do.