Trick to remove muffler-to-cat nut?

[Aleman]

Hey R3V'ers -
Anybody know the trick for removing the 4th nut on the flanges connecting the muffler pipes to the catalytic converter? There just doesn't seem to be enough room for any of my 13mm tools. Do I need to disconnect the front down tube from the exhaust manifold & drop the whole system? Thanks!



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[tim88325is]

I needed a long extension and wobble adapter. Also, I am pretty sure the cat side flanges rotate on the pipe as well, they are not welded in one place.

So if you are able to get them to move with PB blaster, the side with the nut can be spun over or down for better access.

[jlevie]

Spray liberally with PBlaster or Kroil. Let that penetrate a for a day or two then use a six point socket, wobble extensions, and a ratchet wrench.

[RitchiE30]

There is a few things you can do:

1st - Heat up the Nut and avoid heating the Stud in order to help it break loose without breaking the entire stud off. If you heat up the Stud it will expand with the Nut and defeat the purpose.

2nd - Here is the tool combos I use.
- 1/4 Ratchet with universal swivel and a deep 13mm with a long extension.
Or -3/8 Ratchet with universal swivel and a deep 13mms with a long extension.

I prefer the 1/4 because its small enough to fit in between the pipes. If you heat the nut well enough you'll have enough torque to break it loose with that small 1/4 ratchet.

[Aleman]

Thanks guys! I soaked all the nuts in Kroil about a week ago, and that stuff does work really well. I'll try to get at it with a ¼" universal joint socket tomorrow after I buy one. Oh darn - another new tool for the set. ;)

A token of my appreciation:

[jlevie]

Wobble extensions will work better than a universal joint. A 1/4" drive might provide a little working room, but I've always used a 3/8" set. Disconnecting the muffler from the hangers and letting it droop some (support it with a jackstand) gives more room above the pipes.