Ok.....I give up

I wanted to service the Rear Diff in my 99 XJ8 today. I'm assuming that the rear diff needs to be drained and filled from the plug that is on the rear cover.

The problem is I've gone through my entire tool box trying to find a tool to take the plug out. I've got just about every extension and swivel known to man and I can't figure out how to get the plug out.

The bracket that centers the diff is in the way!

Is there a special tool or do I need to remove the bracket or drop the rear diff to change the fluid?

 

I have an XK8 and remember asking myself this very same question on that car. At the time I thought I might have to clear out the spare tire well, and use a hole cutter to open an access hole in order to reach the differential plug. Like you, I didn't see how any regular tool box socket was going to work in the tight confines. Do you think coming in from the trunk might work on an XJ8? The access hole could be sealed with a rubber grommet.

 

Good Idea!!!!

The big problem is the bracket is in the way of a straight line shot at the Plug. There is no room to get a universal joint in there either. I'm going to take a look now and see if your idea has a chance if I use a "wobble" extension. If it looks like it might work, I'll go get one of the "Wobble" end types of extensions tomorrow.

 

I use a wobbler on XJ's, drop the diff down on XK8's

 

What length Wobbler?

 

I ended up finding a 3" Wobbler gave enough clearance to get a ratchet on it and still clear the bracket.

 

A five inch wobbler will also do the trick. Comes as part of a 1/2 and 3/8 wobbler kit from Harbor Freight.

 

I was just wondering this myself since I have a pinion seal leaking now. I thought the only way was to remove the upper brace. It looks almost impossible to get a 1/2" drive on.

 

Nope, the 3" long 1/2" drive wobbler I bought worked perfectly.

 

Hello Sinister1,

I just wanted to know why you decided to service you rear differential. I have a 98 VDP and have been noticing a high pitched noise much similar to a "chirp...chirp" sound. It sounds like it's coming from the rear of the vehicle. Could this sound be a symptom of a rear differential needing new fluid? It doesn't sound like a bearing noise as I just replaced my right front wheel bearing. What symptoms did your jag have to warrant a rear diff service?

Thanks,
Bill

 

All the differentials look the same but access on an "XK" is vastly different. Please send pic!