ZacZapper

Need some input. I'm attempting to install my Maz-Sport mid pipe. I haven't even gotten the cat pipe off yet. I have all the bolts off except one of the 14 mm bolts on the front. It's the one on the inside, up at the top, the most inconvenient one in my opinion. Well, it's rounded off badly. I tried the "bolt out" 14 mm tool, and the nut is so bad the tool slips over it, but 13 mm is still too big to fit it. Tried nut splitters, and it broke. Vice Grips don't grip it. Any suggestions?

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Torch

ZacZapper

I don't have a torch, and really don't feel like buying one. I've already had to spend $60 in tools just to get as far as I've gotten. Any others?

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

drive down to your local exhaust shop then and have them cut it off (most likely they will use a torch like dannobre said)

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

The bolt is a high grade bolt...and difficult to access...so your options are limited.

Did you try a 6 point socket...they will often work when a 12 point is slipping

Otherwise take a quick trip to a muffler shop and get them to blow it off with a torch

ZacZapper

Yeah, all I've used are 6 point sockets on it. Not the slightest bit of grip.

My only fear with the muffler shop is driving there. I don't know that these nuts will go back on willingly. It's a tough situation...

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

17/32 socket and a hammer might work if you have a set of Imperial sockets

ZacZapper

How risky would it be to drive with the one bolt on the front, and both bolts on the back? The two up front won't go back on.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Well, it won't come off, so you are probably safe

If it does break and the cat drops, your problem just became solved.


More seriously, it really depends on the road conditions of where you have to drive. Don't want it dropping into a pothole and jacking your car up. I'd grab 2 more bolt/nut sets (can be just about anything) and secure it for the drive.

ZacZapper

Yeah, I can't imagine the one nut coming undone, and all three studs breaking. The rear is secured, so it can't really fall out. I'll drive slowly and avoid major bumps. Thanks for the input guys

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

I'd recommend grabbing a set of M10 exhaust studs from the local autoparts store. They are going to be far cheaper than OEM replacements, and hold up under the heat reasonably well. Also bypasses most of the common problems. They aren't designed to be reusable, but at $11 for a pack of 6, it's acceptable.

ZacZapper

Excuse my stupidity, but why would I need to buy studs?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Not stupidity

You obviously will need to replace the hardware. You could just go to lowes or home depot and raid their limited metric bins for bolts and nuts for a few dollars less, but they aren't protected from the heat and the rust, and will turn to nearly complete rust through and through within a year if you live anywhere outside of the Arizona.

The easiest bolts to get that will withstand the heat and corrosion for an acceptable length of time are exhaust studs. More intended for use on things like the exhaust manifold to engine block, they will still suffice. M10 x 1.25 is the size and thread pitch of the two welded nuts on the rear flange of the cat, and most aftermarket midpipes done the same way. If it's just open holes in the flange like the front of the cat and most aftermarket midpipes, just use 2 nuts per stud, one on each side of the paired flanges. You can even get them at the appropriate length to hold the OEM springs on the rear to retain that needed flexibility. 5 studs and 8 nuts is the total needed if you are replacing everything.

Fresh bolts is something you can't really undervalue, ESPECIALLY if they are cheap and easily obtained


(I have removed my cat and installed my midpipe, and then reverted back to the cat again 3 times over the past 2 weeks. Fresh bolts make everything wonderful)

ZacZapper

Hmmm, that does make sense. Thanks for the heads up. I'll definitely get them. I'm assuming a place like Advanced Auto would have them?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Yup, that's where I got my last set. Look for the exhaust parts section, should be a rack of the various stud sizes. Advance has all of them labeled as GM, Ford, or Dodge, but just look at the back for the size, you need M10 of any thread pitch for the front, M10 x 1.25 if you are looking to thread them into any existing nut (like often found on the rear). The nuts are actually SAE wrench sizes, but are pretty spot on for a 15mm socket. It's the only time I use that size

ZacZapper

Sweet. Well, thank you greatly for your help. Cross your fingers nothing happens on the way to the muffler shop =P