How to Replace a Freeze Plug in a Ford Explorer
- 1). Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the radiator cap or reservoir cap and attach the radiator pressure tester; pump it up to 15 pounds. Look under the vehicle for the leaking freeze plug. There are three plugs on each side of the block under the exhaust manifold and two in the rear of the block between the engine and transmission. If the rear freeze plug is leaking, it can be seen by antifreeze leaking out of the bottom of the transmission bell housing. A leaking freeze plug in the rear requires removing the transmission to access the plug.
- 2). Remove the lower radiator hose with a common screwdriver to drain the radiator. Reinstall the hose.
- 3). Remove the freeze plug using a common screwdriver and hammer. Place the tip of the screwdriver on one side of the freeze plug and tap the screwdriver with the hammer to push the side of the freeze plug inward. The idea is to push one side in and rotate the other side out. Try not to push the freeze plug into the block. It would still come out, but it would take more work. After the freeze plug has rotated enough, grab the side of the freeze plug with the vise grips and pull it out.
- 4). Clean the area with a clean cloth. Install the new freeze plug by holding it in place and pushing with the thumbs to start it into the hole. Make sure it is dead-straight going in.
- 5). Drive the freeze plug into the block---using the 1/2-inch drive socket and extension---and tap it in a little at a time, always checking to make sure that it is going in straight. Tap it in until it is 1/16 inch in from the block.
- 6). Refill the radiator and once again attach the radiator pressure tester and check for leaks.
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