Help!!! Drain plug stripped out by previous owner

[RogerSteadman]

Hi all, I wish my first post was under better circumstances, but I bought my first S4 3 months ago, and I went to change the oil today, bought all the tools got under car and the drain plug Allen wrench hole is stripped so bad its just a smooth circle, any ideas on what to do, thanks in advance i'm freaking out Audi dealer wont touch it because they did not strip it and dont want to be liable for someone elses mistake.

model is a 2012 S4

[austerity]

Hi all, I wish my first post was under better circumstances, but I bought my first S4 3 months ago, and I went to change the oil today, bought all the tools got under car and the drain plug Allen wrench hole is stripped so bad its just a smooth circle, any ideas on what to do, thanks in advance i'm freaking out Audi dealer wont touch it because they did not strip it and dont want to be liable for someone elses mistake.

model is a 2012 S4

Seeing as you're in Austin, you may want to check out Brink Motorsports and see if they can help you out. They are one of the most reputable VW/Audi independent shops in the area.

[TXautobahn]

You will need to purchase a tap of the same thread dimensions as the drain plug and tap the pan. Take care to put a vacuum on the hole afterward to suck out any loose shavings. Then pour some oil through to flush the remaining particles out.

Hope this helps...

[WarmFuzzies]

Have you tried a triple square socket?

[chrisucf99]

Just drill a small hole in it, then get a screw driver bit that is a tad bigger than the hole and hammer/tap it in so its tight. Then connect your screw driver and turn it out.

Or, JB Weld / epoxy a nut to it, wait for it to cure / harden, then get a socket or wrench and turn it out.

[rtmeikle]

Hi all, I wish my first post was under better circumstances, but I bought my first S4 3 months ago, and I went to change the oil today, bought all the tools got under car and the drain plug Allen wrench hole is stripped so bad its just a smooth circle, any ideas on what to do, thanks in advance i'm freaking out Audi dealer wont touch it because they did not strip it and dont want to be liable for someone elses mistake.

model is a 2012 S4

Nothing to worry about at all. Buy a new OEM replacement drain plug. Then get yourself an EZ out (Amazon link). The tool is like a bit for a screwdriver/drill, but they come in different sizes and are threaded backwards, so the more you twist it counter-clockwise (to remove the stripped screw), the more it bites into the stripped screw. If you don't have them, they're a tool everyone should have, so consider this a good excuse to buy them.

Shouldn't take more than a few minutes and you'll be all set. And that's what the dealer or a mechanic would do if you brought it to them. Not a big deal for them either.

Good luck!

[RogerSteadman]

ok ill look into all of this thank you all so much, also, what about a screw extractor kit?
i have one here with me and just wondering if i could use that and just buy an aftermarket drain plug in its place.

[jaxkewl]

I've been very successful by taking a dremel with a metal disc cutter attachment, and slicing a line through the bolt, then using a flat head, carefully twist it off. Basically, creating your own "minus" head on the oil pan bolt.

[CrownSeven]

Wow, can't believe the dealer refuses to help. Definitely don't want to use them in the future if they're afraid of a stripped drain bolt.

Although you should definitely get that replaced, you should think about getting an oil extractor (the ones that suck up the oil through the dipstick tube). They work great, reduce the mess and time needed to do an oil change and everything is done without having to go underneath the car. ECS has a great one that I use.

[CollecTTor]

I've been very successful by taking a dremel with a metal disc cutter attachment, and slicing a line through the bolt, then using a flat head, carefully twist it off. Basically, creating your own "minus" head on the oil pan bolt.

This. Or hammer in the next size up allen.

[RogerSteadman]

https://www.amazon.com/SMART-R6-Drai...rds=drain+plug


Just ordered this and a screw extractor kit.

[wurldfamuz]

have you tried a good ol vice grip?

[mcjim]

+1 for speed out bits

[Works2shoot]

Just extract from the dipstick tube. Problem solved.

[timzcat]

have you tried a good ol vice grip?

This ^
Or a chisel and hammer would take all of a minute. with the flange on the plug it will come right out.

[AutoTalent]

Just extract from the dipstick tube. Problem solved.

I giggled more than I should of, lol.

[RogerSteadman]

What do you all mean by hitting it with a chisel? If it's super tight in the couldn't that damage the thread? I'm confused, I just bought the car, and never done any work on this car yet, is there a space on the top of the bolt? I'm just confused.

[MrFunk]

Nice job guys!
Lots of good suggestions.
I'm shocked the dealership would not help you out. I'd call Audi of America and given em shit for that! What's the dealership there for if not to help an Audi owner with a service issue?! Assholes. This is not an uncommon problem either. They could simply have you sign a disclaimer prior.

[EstorilS4]

Curious to know how that plug works for you. I had the same issue and just went to the dealer and bought a new OEM plug with washer for about $5. Used an extractor bit to remove the stripped plug (super easy), changed oil and filter, installed new plug and good to go. Extremely easy.