Getting the stock exhaust off

[ETB-L.O.S.-2.0]

Yesterday i spent hours trying to take off my stock exhaust so i could put my new one on. However, the bolts are so rusted that it was a complete fail and one of the bolts i got off just snapped off (by accident). Any recommendations on how to get it off, possibly without cutting it into pieces? Btw i have a 2004 wrx.

[v6mx6ls36]

Use some PB blaster on them . Spray it on . Let it soak in , come back In a few hours and spray again an let sit . Then try again to remove the hardware from the exhaust .


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[BoostedBob]

If you snapped a bolt get a easy out set. Also what v6 said pb blast is your best friend let it soak then come back. Also use some simple green to help break loose the hangers that are holding on your exhaust.

[teflon_jones]

It's an absolute must that any car with more than a few miles on it needs to get soaked with penetrating fluid for several hours before trying to get the bolts out. Another simple but very important step is to tap the head of the bolts with the end your wrench when you spray them, then spray again and tap again a few hours later. The tapping is critical to getting the fluid to really get down into the threads. Another trick that can be helpful is to use an impact wrench set on low power to vibrate the bolts to break them loose. You can also do this instead of tapping them to just get the fluid down into the threads.

EZ out is the only way to get the sheared bolts out.

[sjcurtis]

If you snapped off a bolt and not a stud you are good just go to the parts house and get some new hardware.

[mjboudreaux77]

Please clarify the bolt you snapped.... If you snapped the threaded stud that the downpipe sits on (@ the turbo), you have a real headache in front of you. I can't exactly remember, but the connection between the mid-pipe and the cat-back was odd to me (the springloaded bolts/studs) - I think 1 side turns, but the other doesn't - don't turn the wrong side.

1.) PB Blaster is way better than liquid wrench (my opinion)
2.) You should never use 12-point sockets, only 6-point
3.) Impact wrench would be cool to use, but you can't fit it in there (by the turbo)
4.) Make sure you have the right tool to remove the O2 sensor (if you are replacing the downpipe)

[vortrex]

heat them up really good with a mapp gas torch.

[ETB-L.O.S.-2.0]

Im taking the whole exhaust off and the bolt/screw that snapped off was from the heat shield section over the turbo... and does the heat shield need to go back on the aftermarket exhaust?

[sjcurtis]

nope

[mjboudreaux77]

Im taking the whole exhaust off and the bolt/screw that snapped off was from the heat shield section over the turbo... and does the heat shield need to go back on the aftermarket exhaust?

You need some sort of shielding... You won't damage the car without it, but you will certainly heat up the intercooler and loose power without it.