OK, I seached for info on this one but must be using the wrong terms...

I need to have a go at removing the rear plate on the Sierra diff. Is there a trick you guys use? I've tried sticking the star-head socket into the bolt and using a breaker bar, but the socket keeps slipping. Is there something I'm missing?

--Thanks, Chris

Yep, Don't bother taking it off. If there's something that needs fixing then get another diff. Otherwise drain the oil refill and fit.

if you really want it off, use some penentrating oil, and ideally get an impact wrench! chucking the diff is defeatist!

if you knacker up the torx heads on the bolts, use a sharp cold chisel onto the edge of the bolt head and sharp blows with a hammer to undo them, always works!

as last resort when you have stripped the heads.... weld bolts into the heads, the heat seems to help loosen them and you have better purchase on the bolt head...

Thanks gents. I need to take the back off the diff so I can remove the diff 'ears'. I need to get some adaptors turned to mate the Sierra diff to my MX-5 CVs.

Plus, I need to figure out a way to remove the drain plug, but alas, that is a different story!

--Chris

I gave the torx head socket a good slap with a big hammer into the head of the bolt,it seems to work on most torx bolts.

As said earlier maybe an impact driver would do the same job