I am about to replace the exhaust manifold on a 99 Civic LX. Two of the lower nuts are hard to get to, and I think I will need to use a universal joint drive. I have never used one before.

I tried practicing on other bolts and was having a lot of trouble using the universal joint. It felt like it kept getting stuck on something. It will obviously be more complicated when I try to torque to a specific level...

Any advice on how to use these?

 

Use a combination wrench.

 

But I need to torque to a certain weight. How do you do that with a combination wrench?

I am referring to this lower nut. It can't be accessed from the top.

 

By feel. Torque the ones you can, then feel how tight they are with the wrench, then make the ones you cant get to the same

 

This is my first time doing this kind of work, so that makes me nervous...

 

If you must torque it, get a crows foot.

 

The universal joint with a short extension gives me good access. The problem is that I just don't how to use the universal joint properly.

That's why I asked for help with the universal joint.

 

That wouldn't fit in there. I need to use the universal joint.

 

You need to go from underneath. There is plenty of room. Do not try to go through that little hole in the top.

 

I know, but there is not direct access from the bottom. I have to come from the side, hence the universal joint.

 

they only need to be tighten enough via a socket/wrench. off top of my head the tq value is only like 18ft lbs.

i hold 5 ase's and have NEVER tq'd one on my cars EVER

 

But you have a lot of experience. I have none... I just don't have the feel yet.

 

In any case, universal joints exist for a reason. I am just asking for advice on how to use them.

 

i may have a lot of exp but you cant tel when it is snug and stops turning when doing with a wrench.

 

Youtube it.

 

I did. Couldn't find any examples.

 

Im not really sure what you're looking for? You put it between the ratchet (or torque wrench) and the socket. You can put an extension before or after it, depending on the application. Just get the socket on the bolt head or nut, and just use the ratchet. It's pretty self explanatory.

This is how I would probably set it up for what you are trying to do: http://www.wak-tt.com/rearbumper/DSCN2094.JPG