Bought a Haldex service kit with the intention of replacing oil and filter only to find I have been unable to remove the filler bolt. Any ideas on how to loosen it? I have tried a 13mm spanner without success and a 13mm socket is just not an option with the lack of space. A spanner of better quality may have to be purchased as a second try as the somewhat cheapie one has started to ring the bolt.
I have never used heat before so any advice on how to would be appreciated ie. blow torch or other device given it's close proximity to things flammable.
The filter itself has been replaced by a local indy but by the appearance of the bolt perhaps the oil hasn't

A good sharp tap with a small hammer and then a good fitting ring spanner should shift it  2009 FL2 S now gone
2011 FL2 HSE AUTO
2012 FL2 XS AUTO
2000 Kawasaki er 5

Is there room to get a hammer in ?

Stahlwille spanners is what I use. They start at page 84 in their catalogue. Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

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Tried the sharp tap with the hammer but almost ringed it. Probably would be a must to buy a good quality ring spanner.
Lightwater, I'll check out Stahlwille spanners and maybe give them a go as well. No point in rushing it. hanks guys!

Just wondered how the Indy topped up the Haldex after changing the filter. Time to source a filler plug as well.

Don't use a twelve point spanner look out for a six point version.
The twelve ponit style only grips on the corners leading to rounded bolts.

Same with socket sets.

Sounds like it may be too late now if it's already started to round off.

BossBob wrote:

Just wondered how the Indy topped up the Haldex after changing the filter. Time to source a filler plug as well.

Finally managed to get the filler plug out with a 6 point spanner, drained the oil which looked rather black with lots of bits! Think the plug had been torqued too high but at least got the new oil in.

Well done for getting it sorted. I got my haldex serviced at and Indy as I was worried about how long the bolt had been sat there getting road muck on it. Hopefully next time it will loosen ok.

cool good to see you got it sorted  2009 FL2 S now gone
2011 FL2 HSE AUTO
2012 FL2 XS AUTO
2000 Kawasaki er 5

O-B-Wan003 wrote:

Finally managed to get the filler plug out with a 6 point spanner, drained the oil which looked rather black with lots of bits! Think the plug had been torqued too high but at least got the new oil in.

that new haldex fluid looks identical in colour to the fluid supplied by Bell Jules

That old Haldex oil looks really dirty. This was the colour of mine coming out, when I did the 10 year service.
As Jules has already stated, the new stuff looks just as I’d expect it to. It certainly matches the Volvo oil I used back then.


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jules wrote:

that new haldex fluid looks identical in colour to the fluid supplied by Bell