Today I changed my diff fluid for the first time, and what may have well been for the first time in a long time (bought it used). I found the fill bolt extremely hard to get off and fitting any sort of socket in there just wasn't happening. I sprayed some WD-40 on it and used vise grip pliers until finally it gave way. Unfortunately at that point I was placing so much torque on it that the pliers just kept going, right into the adjacent heat fin. This is the result:





I know these fins are there just for heat dissipation so I shouldn't need to worry about it, right?

 

Yup. As long as you don't get any seepage. Should be fine, I'd think.

 

And get a proper socket and breaker bar. I'd replace that bolt before you round it off completely.

 

I tried using a socket but I couldn't fit it in there between the diff and that bar shown in the top of the first photo. How do people do it?

 

Short socket head and flat socket wrench? There looks like plenty of room there.

Or even just a box wrench.

 

I bought a 23mm wrench for this very purpose.

 

Box wrench. I too broke a fin (using the wrench)

 

Yep, get a wrench. Surprisingly I found mine at Advanced Auto Parts.

 

mines cracked too !! no problems if its not leaking as said !!

 

The location sucks and mine was WAY over tightented from the factory. But any good wrench, just do a short throw. Get some swivel adapters for 20 bucks.