Magnetic drain plugs

[Snorlax]

After going through some older threads, it looks like the BW don't have magnetic drain plugs for the transmission and rear diff. I've never owned a car that doesn't have magnetic plugs for the diff so I thought it can't hurt to get some aftermarket ones. Anyone got any suggestions on aftermarket magnetic plugs for the rear diff and fill plug for the transmission (drain looks to be the temp sensor)?

 

[Dirkbg]

I'd suggest just buying a strong magnet and attach them to the outside of the plug. I tested a ceramic magnet I got from harbor freight on a large 1" bolt and it would pick up a large screw at the other end. They'll hold themselves on to the outside of the plug magnetically. You don't even need to remove the OEM plugs. Try these or something similar from Amazon.

https://www.harborfreight.com/ceramic-magnet-assortment-16-piece-58066.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-craft-magnet-blocks-98406.html

 

[Snorlax]

I'd suggest just buying a strong magnet and attach them to the outside of the plug. I tested a ceramic magnet I got from harbor freight on a large 1" bolt and it would pick up a large screw at the other end. They'll hold themselves on to the outside of the plug magnetically. You don't even need to remove the OEM plugs. Try these or something similar from Amazon.

https://www.harborfreight.com/ceramic-magnet-assortment-16-piece-58066.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-craft-magnet-blocks-98406.html

Thats an interesting idea. The only issue I would have with that is needing to remove the magnets in order to loosen the plug when doing a fluid change and I would ideally like to see the amount of metal shavings. But given how cheap magnets are I could get a bunch of them and just run a few through the fluid afterwards and see what it picks up. I'll definitely keep this option in mind.

 

[ngoni]

OK don't faff about. Go right for the rare earth magnets:

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Strong-Neodymium-Magnets-Powerful/dp/B072KDBJWC/

 

[Dirkbg]

The magnets hold themselves to the plug so removing them to remove the plug later is just removing the magnet. I have both those rare earth magnets and the .99 ceramic from Harbor freight, and the .99 ones are really stronger. Placing those two ceramic ones together pinched my finger...
You can get all those magnets and test them with a short thick bolt to see how much strength you'll have. The block ones you could break or cut in half if they stick out too far on the sides. It would be interesting to see if they stay stuck on essentially permanently. You'll have plenty of spares to replace them if they do fall off. They sell adhesive magnets too, but they aren't typically as strong, and a strong magnet probably would hold better than a weaker adhesive one.