help with seized/rusted bolts

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saweddoffjeep

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Canada

• Oct 13, 2006

• #1

so i just got a new muffler but im having a hell of a time getting the bolts that hold the old muffler on, they are really rusted and held on tight, ive tried nearly everything to get them off, does anyone know of a simple way to get them off

 

jeepboy381

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Gresham, Or

• Oct 13, 2006

• #2

Use a propane torch and heat up the nut evenly. It should come off pretty easy after that.

 

5-90

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Hammerspace

• Oct 13, 2006

• #3

Either that, or cut the clamp and get a new one.

When you get new hardware, get brass if you can. Then, you won't have that problem...

5-90

 

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saweddoffjeep

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Canada

• Oct 13, 2006

• #4

alright ill give those a shot

 

5-90

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Hammerspace

• Oct 13, 2006

• #5

I've been using brass on exhaust hardware undercar for the last 20 years or so. Yes, brass is not as strong as steel, but in this application, that's not a factor. However, the copper base tends to be more "self-lubricating" than the iron in the steel, brass doesn't rust (it corrodes, but not readily,) and it will not seize to steel. I generally use brass or bronze from the exhaust manifold on back.

5-90

 

S

saweddoffjeep

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Canada

• Oct 13, 2006

• #6

ok ill be sure to go pick some brass clamps up right now
and the torch to get the old ones off

 

C

crunked

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Englewood, TN

• Oct 13, 2006

• #7

dremel with a cutoff. brass is good.

~sm

 

5-90

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Hammerspace

• Oct 13, 2006

• #8

saweddoffjeep said:

ok ill be sure to go pick some brass clamps up right now
and the torch to get the old ones off

Click to expand...

You won't be able to find brass exhaust clamps (I haven't, anyhow,) but the U-bolts on the clamps tend to take a standard nut - either 1/4" or 5/16".

You should be able to source brass machine nuts at the hardware store, or you can try to find brass or bronze at a marina/boating supply house.

Even on stainless/CRES clamps, I tend to use brass nuts. Cheap insurance and peace of mind.

5-90