Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: berserkerboy on 08 February 2016, 21:50:30

Title: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: berserkerboy on 08 February 2016, 21:50:30
Hi folks

Got a bit of a rumble at the rear.

Not sure if bearing or diff.

Went to check diff level but am worried that 8mm hex is a bit too loose. I've never checked it before so there was a fair bit of crud in the bolt and around the thread. Once cleaned up the 8mm hex (a good quality one) is not a nice tight fit. I'm concerned that I will just round off the internal hex once I put some force on it.

Anyone any suggestions?

Currently, everything is soaking in plus gas penetrating oil.
Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: biggriffin on 09 February 2016, 06:42:16
8mm Wong size, you need imperial.or a sump plug set of bits. About £12 from Halfords
Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: berserkerboy on 09 February 2016, 07:08:52
Any idea what the imperial size might be. I have 5/16 but that is marginally smaller than 8mm. 3/8 is 9.5mm which will be too big. I need something like 11/32?
Wondering if I wedge a pin/tack in the gap whether the 8mm would be tight enough. May try later.
Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: alank46 on 09 February 2016, 07:35:24
Find one that is slightly too large and file of grind it down so that it is a good snug fit, then keep it as a specific tool for that job.
Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: berserkerboy on 09 February 2016, 07:38:25
That sounds like a good idea. Will see what I can sacrifice.
Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: artsoul_no1 on 09 February 2016, 12:52:27
Anyone know the actual size if I was to buy a specific hex key

Thanks

Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: amba on 09 February 2016, 14:01:20
T50 torx bit to remove it (may also be a 8mm allen key fitting).mine was the forma.

Worth using a 3/8 drive inplace of the Allen Key though :y
Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: artsoul_no1 on 09 February 2016, 14:51:42
Thanks Andrew

Think mine is a hex key but reading previous posts wanted to make sure it was correct size, I bought hex sockets last wek that has an 8mm socket

Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: tidla on 09 February 2016, 14:53:09
T50 torx bit to remove it (may also be a 8mm allen key fitting).mine was the forma.

Worth using a 3/8 drive inplace of the Allen Key though :y

Wot he said^^. the torx dig in nicely
Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: Nick W on 09 February 2016, 16:31:49
Any idea what the imperial size might be. I have 5/16 but that is marginally smaller than 8mm. 3/8 is 9.5mm which will be too big. I need something like 11/32?
Wondering if I wedge a pin/tack in the gap whether the 8mm would be tight enough. May try later.


I'm pretty sure that when I did mine, I just used a 3/8 ratchet directly in the plug. No socket/allen/torx driver required. This was some time ago, so I might be confusing it with something else.
Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: berserkerboy on 14 February 2016, 16:08:00
Okay. So I've rounded off the 8mm hex level plug.  Was unable to reduce a 9mm accurately enough. I'm planning to cut an inch length of 8mm allen key and then welding in to the level plug. Then I can get an 8mm socket on it. What do you think. Good plan?
Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: berserkerboy on 19 February 2016, 18:18:16
Too awkward to get under the car and weld the hex key in. Gave to a local garage who had a hoist. £25 to loosen off and top up. They welded a bolt to the level plug so that I'll be able to get it off in future. Glad I did this as they said the level was well below normal.
However, the rumble is still there. They reckon it's tyre noise and I think they may be right. Although they can only have about 4-5k on them and there appears to be plenty of tread left they are cheap directional tyres by Autoguard. Mechanic said he can feel castellations on the inside part of the tyre. Can't feel them myself but then I don't know what I'm feeling for. Just goes to show you get what you pay for.
I'll have to replace them. Any advice on what would be a good value tyre to buy? Well... 4 of them. :'(
Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: amba on 19 February 2016, 18:22:54
My 3.2 sits on Goodyear F1,s and have been very pleased with the noise levels from them ,however they dont seem to give a huge mileage as just replaced both rears recntly after 17k.

Always found Michelins hard so good wear but noise levels were high.All depends on your budget/driving style and mileage
Title: Re: Diff level plug removal. 8mm hex too loose
Post by: berserkerboy on 19 February 2016, 18:24:35
I do about 3k a year and drive like an old fart I'm told.  ;D