I have a freeze plug on the front passenger side which has a slight leak. I have read some information regarding freeze plugs and would like to know how to remove the freeze plugs. Also, I was told the one that is leaking requires some additional labor such as removal of front axle, etc. Can someone please tell me if this is something I can tackle or should I take it to a garage. The parts are $10 but I am wondering how much labor time will be involved. Thank you in advance for any and all replies. A 98 Durango with 104,000 miles and I am wondering if it is worth repairing or is it time for another vehicle. Oh well, decisions, decisions!

 

Well if you can get to it the best way is to punch a hole in it and then work it outand pop a new one in. I've never had the pleasure of doing it on the D so I dunno about having to remove parts but I know there are a few (in the back blocked by the tranny) that are real work to get to.

 

Like Green said pop a hole in it and remove. Then install the new one. The plug should only cost about $1 not $10. You can get good ones at NAPA or others.

 

Yeh there not hard to do though I am not sure were yours lies and how easy it would be to get to. But when you put a new one in put a brass one back in so it wont rust and you wont have any problems. Aswell as that use some RTV around it to seal it I've used copper RTV in the past on and its worked great.

 

I would definately reccomend replacing it asap. I had this problem with my 98 and it cost me a motor. What happened was that I let it go too long and everytimre the water ran out and it got hot it cooked the oil a bit untill the sludge built up around the pickup tube to the point that it lost oil pressure and spun 2 main bearings. Not saying your case is as extreme but it could lead to that if left unattended long enough.