KWbuilder

Just got a new Apexi WS2 cat-back for my 2000 EX coupe. I got all the old exhaust off but the studs were rusted to hell that come out of the cat. With 140,000 miles thats to be expected I guess. My thinking was I could grind the studs down then drill them out or pound them out and just put new bolts in. Well.....they wont budge at all and they are so hard it rounds a drill bit right off. Not sure how everyone else has done this. Any suggestions at this point? And please be nice.....

motegicivic

Typically you can torch it, but did you already remove the old exhaust?

You torch before removing old one, make it easier to get bolts out.

KWbuilder

Yeah I tried the torch before I did anything. Unfortunately that was no help. Really couldnt even get to the top bolt with the pipe in the way so I cut it off to get access to it. So yes old exhaust is gone. Now, I havent tried heating the studs to see if they would pound out yet. May give that a shot I guess. I assume they are pressed in.

Turbolsvtech

i used a nut splitter you can get them at you local parts store i just split the nuts tapped the bolts out and used new stainless ones

gsrturbo-ek

i did this on a 92 integra...i used some wd40 and used a big hammer hit it real hard a few times and came out.... also the other side of the stud had a bolt head but it was round grinded those down even with flange and it seemed to help..... it looked like the little heads were tack welded to flange

KWbuilder

Thanks for the suggestions guys! Didnt even think about a nut splitter...too late for that now unfortunately.

Glad Im not crazy in thinking that the studs will come out. I guess I will try grinding off the other side and see if that helps any.

KWbuilder

Update! Thanks gsrturbo.....I ground the backs of the studs down, went and got a baby sledge and a good punch and a few good whacks later they came out. Just gotta go get some bolts to put in there and the rest should take no time. Thanks for all the help!!!