Trying to change trans fluid..I'm stuck

[Adam]

I'm in the middle of the process and all the nuts and bolts came out fine but the aluminum belly plate is stuck. It's hung up on 1 bolt on each side of the plate...specifically the threads because the holes in the pan weren't quite cut big enough imo. Hans must've jammed the plate on and locked her down with a nut. I've pulled like mad and banged on it with a rubber mallet and she's not going anywhere. Have any of you guys encountered this problem as well and if so any suggestions? Here are some pics to show...it's the lower bolt in the pictures giving me problems and its the same way on the other side. Everything else is free and loose.

[kcpaz]

This is common and I have yet to work on a car that wasn't this way. String a ratchet strap across the two suspension members and pull them inboard until it takes the pressure off of the studs. Don't put the weight of the car on the suspension without that aluminum belly pan in place. Also, I assume you have the special tool required to remove the drain plug??? if not, you will find yourself stuck again.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by kcpaz

This is common and I have yet to work on a car that wasn't this way. String a ratchet strap across the two suspension members and pull them inboard until it takes the pressure off of the studs. Don't put the weight of the car on the suspension without that aluminum belly pan in place. Also, I assume you have the special tool required to remove the drain plug??? if not, you will find yourself stuck again.

I'll try to hunt down a ratchet strap and give that a shot. Thanks! I have a 6 speed.... I read that it doesn't require a special tool only the 5 speeds do. Hopefully that is right.

[JFP in PA]

Is the car sitting on the rear tires? If it is, you will always have a problem removing the plate..................

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Is the car sitting on the rear tires? If it is, you will always have a problem removing the plate..................

No the whole car is up on jack stands. I managed to get the plate unstuck. I used an old brake shoe tool that resembles a small crow bar and it did the trick. I'm going to drill those two holes out slightly larger so it shouldn't be such a PITA next time. It was a piece of cake except for that and the fluid is draining as we speak. The stuff is a dark amber color like semi-used motor oil. Not as dark as the other guys though. Porsche must use a pretty dark amber gear lube like you mentioned. RL is going in to take it's place. Hopefully it will solve the shifting issues I'm having.

[kcpaz]

Don't drill the holes out. It's like that for a reason. If you drill the holes out, you will be relying solely on the clamping force of the nut to keep things in place. Just put it back together the same way you took it apart.