I was trying to take my exhaust off to install a friends EVO, but I couldn't get the 3 bolts that connect the mid section pipe to the cat. We soaked the 3 bolts in WD-40 for about 20 mins. We were able to get 1 bolt off, and even the was hard because it wasn't turning very easy, almost like it wasn't treaded on correctly. And even if we got the 2 bottoms ones out I don't see how we could possibly get the top 1 out. Any advise on getting these bolts out, I know it shouldn't be this hard.

TIA

 

heat up the bolt with a torch!
are you using an impact gun?

 

we were using hand tools, no torch

 

Get along fn breaker bar and a torch....or a really high torquein impact wrench...

 

i was in the same situation your are in and i just removed the cat with the mid pipe together. once they were out i had enough leverage to break them loose.

 

i was thinking about doing that, but i was worried about damaging the O2 sensor

 

just unplug them, it will only take like a second. the first one you got to reach up by the oil filter to unplug it while the second one your gonna have to pull out the rubber grommet to unplug it.

 

If all else fails, muffler shops are your friend.

 

breaker bar

 

Breaker bar

 

sorry newbie question...where can i get a breaker bar?

 

breaker = any pipe that fits over the rachet to increase leverage.

 

ohhhhhh so thats a breaker bar, thanks!

 

Get you socket wrench and place a metal pipe (2ft long) over the handle of the wrench. This will get you enough power to remove the bolts.

 

for the bottom 2 bolts I soaked them in liquid wrench then i used a breaker bar/flex handle to remove them.. I guess you can also slip a pipe on your ratchet.. some people I know have broken their ratchets this way though... for the top bolt I used a open end/combination wrench and then connected another wrench at the end to extend it so its longer to get more power/leverage.. you put the 2 ends together.. kinda hard to explain .. just mess around w/ it and you'll get it..

here is the tools i used:







[Modified by GSRaCeRbOI, 3:07 PM 6/14/2002]

 

I snapped my 2-3" extension trying to get that bolt off. if you use a ratchet make sure it's 1/2" drive. I'd recommend a breaker bar like the one pictured above though

 

breaker bar

I couldn't get them to move at all with my wrench or rachet. My friend crawled under their with his breaker bar and they came right out.

 

Use the FORCE.

I don't have a breaker bar but is used a 1/2 ratchet, stuck it an a 2 feet long steel pipe, then torque that thing.

 

With out a doubt, remove the cat, cause you will strip the nut if you don't. It is SO much easier with the cat removed from the car. You will not hurt the O2 sensor, unless you just rip the wires out of it. Soak the nut, and then use a 6 point socket, 1/2" drive, cheater (breaker) bar. Or if you have one, an impact gun...

 

wow thanks guys, ill give it another try, it took us about 45 mins to get just 1 nut out, and it was even harder getting it back on

 

Breaker bar and use a long extension to ge the top most bolt on the cat.

 

wd-40 doesn't do anything, get some penatrating oil. spray liberal ammounts on the bad bolt, let it sit for an hour or two, spray more penatrating oil on it, and then try to take it off, use a breaker bar.

remember that it isn't so bad if the bolts break, just the ones that hold the header to the head, those you don't want to break!

 

If you are talking about the bolts that attach the header to the CAT, just saw them off/break them...... there was no way in hell I could get those off w/o cutting them when I put my header on months ago (since sold and got turbo)... only prob is acura rapes you for like $20 JUST FOR THOSE BOLTS!!!!!!!!

 

Defintely get some liquid penetrant (Liquid Wrench, etc.). I'd start off with a good soaking, and then re-soak it every 15 min. for 30 - 45 min. If you don't have enough room underneath your car to use a long breaker bar, just stick a wrench on the bolt and smack it with a hammer a few times. This has worked for me, installing ~5 exhausts. Using both of these methods, you'd be surprised how easily the bolts come loose.

Good luck.