[ajef7885]

The problem with the drain plugs is that quite a few of them get the heads stripped off them when you try to remove them.
There's a reason they make anti-seize compound.

I wonder if many are stripping them out because they are using a T50 torx bit? The plugs are actually a TP50 torx which has wider shoulders on the splines.

 

[ajef7885]

That's probably a big part of it. Before I changed my PTU fluid I found tons of posts saying the plug is a T50, and only a couple people saying it's a TP50. It is indeed a TP50 on my 2013. A T50 will fit the plug loosely and probably works most of the time, but a TP50 will go in there perfect and snug and won't strip the head.

yep just did it on my daughters 2013 this weekend, 128,000 miles. Used my TP50 and it took a breaker bar but both popped loose without issue.

 

[ajef7885]

Yea I don't see the merit of changing PTU that often. Especially on a 2.0 because you have to remove the turbo piping on the bottom of the engine. And differential? I think Ford wants to drop it to change the fluid. Without a lift I'm not sure how you would do it? 2013-2019 Ford Escape Rear Differential Oil Change. - YouTube