I changed my rear diff fluid about 30,000 miles ago with no problems. This past weekend i was going to do it again but this time i couldnt get the cover off after removing the screws. I used permatex 1 minute gasket last time and i tried to get the cover off with a screwdriver but it wont budge. I didnt wanna bend the cover so i didnt try to jam the screwdriver in there and i dont wanna do it the lazy way and just pump out the old fluid. Any ideas on how i can get the cover off?

 

putty knife and hammer...
but before try and get a long razor blade and cut what you can first..
if you have to you can always heat it up with torch.but stay away from the speed sensor on top.

 

Maybe a block of wood tapped with a hammer? I have some plastic chisels from Harbor Freight for these aggravations.

 

Yep, just gonna have to break the seal. All good suggestions above

 

You might try heating the flange up with an electric hot air heat gun-----NOT A TORCH. Just to very hot to the touch, then it should just pop right off without much effort----or bending-----actually, you might put 2 bolts back in just in case it falls off, so you can keep control of it.

 

Ok ill try