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I’m in the process of removing my cats and some other exhaust components to make room to do valve cover gaskets, plugs and plug wires. I’ve been able to get every rusted bolt free... except for one. It’s not that I can’t get it free, but it’s not backing out. So I’m not sure if something snapped or what. If you look at the picture, the bolt turns freely, but so does the female portion of the bracket/attachment point. Any idea how I can get this last bolt removed?
I was finally able to file enough of it down on each side to be able to grab it with some needle nose vice grips. Now I’m wondering if the heat shield stays or comes off when I install the Fabspeed x-pipe with sport cats
If vise grips don’t fit, jam something like a large screwdriver in the gap to prevent it from spinning which will allow you to back out the bolt.
That was actually my first thought too, but it didn't work. It kept spinning past the screwdriver. That's when I tried the vise grips and eventually filed down the sides of the cylindrical nut so that I had something to lock on to.
Appreciate everyone's suggestions. Hoping the rest goes smoothly...
The sheet metal nut behind it is spinning, jam a screwdriver next to it so it can't spin and you should be able to remove the bolt.
Seems like a lot of disassembly to just get to the valve covers.
The sheet metal nut behind it is spinning, jam a screwdriver next to it so it can't spin and you should be able to remove the bolt.
Seems like a lot of disassembly to just get to the valve covers.
Andy, that’s what I tried to do first, but the square portion of the nut would slip past the screwdriver. I’m glad we all think alike though! As I mentioned, I had to file down two sides of the nut to make it square, which gave me enough to grab with the vise grips. The nut/clip is completely worthless now, so I’m hoping I don’t need it for the install of the Fabspeed parts - which is why I’m removing it in the first place. I’ve got the x-pipe with sport cats and Fabspeed tips to go back on after I tackle the v/c’s, wires, plugs, caps, rotors.
Andy, that’s what I tried to do first, but the square portion of the nut would slip past the screwdriver. I’m glad we all think alike though! As I mentioned, I had to file down two sides of the nut to make it square, which gave me enough to grab with the vise grips. The nut/clip is completely worthless now, so I’m hoping I don’t need it for the install of the Fabspeed parts - which is why I’m removing it in the first place. I’ve got the x-pipe with sport cats and Fabspeed tips to go back on after I tackle the v/c’s, wires, plugs, caps, rotors.
Ok, good luck with the upgrade! If you need to reinstall a fastener in that position I would use one of the all metal prevailing torque nut (lock nuts) and a bolt as a nylon lock nut may not like the heat encountered. They may even be available in stainless steel at a place like Fastenal located in most medium size cities.
I was finally able to file enough of it down on each side to be able to grab it with some needle nose vice grips. Now I’m wondering if the heat shield stays or comes off when I install the Fabspeed x-pipe with sport cats
02-16-2019, 10:25 PM
Removing cats - help needed
