So, after a terrible time trying to release either diff plug on my Mk1, utilising plus-gas, rubber mallets, metal hammers (risky I know), spanners and ratchets - and getting absolutely nowhere - I stumbled on a method that worked so I’m posting it here.
Tools Required:
- Extendable Wheel Brace (1/2" socket drive, about £8-10).
- Small socket extension bar (fouls the silencer if too long, most socket sets come with this).
- Rubber Mallet.
- Piece of wood etc. just thicker than a spanner handle (I used the rubber handled spanner pictured).
- Correct sized socket (not pictured).
Process:
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Attach the socket to the extension bar, and then attach it to the extendable wheel brace.
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Attach this whole assembly to the diff plug required.
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Drainage hole plug: Place your piece of wood/rubber handled spanner under the portion of the wheel brace that rests on the anti-sway bar. I placed my spanner in parallel with the anti-sway bar .
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Filler hole plug: Place your rubber mallet under the portion of the wheel bar that sits above the anti-sway bar so that it rests on the mallet - did you think we were going to hit things with the mallet?
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Make sure the extendable wheel brace is extended in full, and that the handle isn’t resting on the ground (the reason it is in the photo is I took the photo after releasing the stuck plug). Now get out from under the car and brace yourself against the rear quarter/boot.
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Place a foot in under the car (yes it is a bit of an odd/cramp inducing stretch, especially the filler plug) and rest your foot on the wheel brace handle until you feel you’re stable.
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Put your best foot forward and let your own weight and gravity release the diff plug(s).
