Exhaust System Removal
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 62
From: Columbia SC
Exhaust System Removal
I am removing the exhaust system from just behind the cats back to get at the trans extension housing in order to replace the output seal.
I am having a problem with the O2 sensor that sits on the drivers side just near the transmission shift cable (auto 96). When I slide the exhaust system back I am not able to lower it due to the O2 sensor. I have disconnected the O2 sensor.
Can I remove the O2 sensor? I can only get at it with a pair of channel locks, is that OK to do or will I destroy it? Standard right hand thread?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
I am having a problem with the O2 sensor that sits on the drivers side just near the transmission shift cable (auto 96). When I slide the exhaust system back I am not able to lower it due to the O2 sensor. I have disconnected the O2 sensor.
Can I remove the O2 sensor? I can only get at it with a pair of channel locks, is that OK to do or will I destroy it? Standard right hand thread?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
It's standard RH thread and a 7/8" open-end wrench should bring it out. If you've got room for Channellocks, surely you can get a decent quality 7/8" wrench in there.
Last edited by Corvette Kid; Dec 29, 2007 at 06:42 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 62
From: Columbia SC
Thanks kid. I just got it off and I think I will be able to lower the exhaust system now without any other problems. This O2 sensor is post cat, do I need to use any anti seize when I reinstall?
Thanks
Thanks
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 62
From: Columbia SC
I am unable to lower the exhaust system enough to clear the passenger side floor pan. I took off the three bolts that connect the system to the passenger side manafold but can anyone tell me the best way to get the converter brace bolts off on the passenger side.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Wellington Fl
I have a 96 auto also and have used the rachet end of a combination box/open end approaching it from aft of the converter. Just soak the bolts with something like WD40 and let it set a little.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
Dittos on the anti-seize
P.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 62
From: Columbia SC
OK, I had to leave and go to work but I have not gotten anywhere. I have the FSM but when it comes to removing the exhaust system in general it is inadquate. I only want to take the system off post cat, but I can't seam to clear the passenger side floor pan. I have the three way clamp post cat on the drivers side off with no problems. I undid the clamp post cat behind the three way on the passenger side but I cannot slide the system back far enough to get the exhaust off on the passenger side. I was going to take off the mounting bracket for the cat on the passenger side and just drop the system, but how do you get too it. Little help please. Thanks in advance because I am getting frustrated at what I thought was going to be an easy job.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Wellington Fl
Fast Cop
Hang in there, the first time I attempted to remove the exhaust system I came to the conclusion that it was impossible, I tried to do it the same way you are. Disconnecting the flange from the DS and loosing the clamps on the PS post cat.
I went back at it again and removed the two bolts in the cat on the PS by approaching them from rear of the cat and reaching up with the ratchet box wrench. Once I got them and the flange on the exhaust manifold on the PS disconnected the whole system was able to shift over enough for the OS on the DS to clear the transmission and the lingage.
Good luck
Hang in there, the first time I attempted to remove the exhaust system I came to the conclusion that it was impossible, I tried to do it the same way you are. Disconnecting the flange from the DS and loosing the clamps on the PS post cat.
I went back at it again and removed the two bolts in the cat on the PS by approaching them from rear of the cat and reaching up with the ratchet box wrench. Once I got them and the flange on the exhaust manifold on the PS disconnected the whole system was able to shift over enough for the OS on the DS to clear the transmission and the lingage.
Good luck
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 505
Likes: 1
From: Guntersville Alabama
OK, I had to leave and go to work but I have not gotten anywhere. I have the FSM but when it comes to removing the exhaust system in general it is inadquate. I only want to take the system off post cat, but I can't seam to clear the passenger side floor pan. I have the three way clamp post cat on the drivers side off with no problems. I undid the clamp post cat behind the three way on the passenger side but I cannot slide the system back far enough to get the exhaust off on the passenger side. I was going to take off the mounting bracket for the cat on the passenger side and just drop the system, but how do you get too it. Little help please. Thanks in advance because I am getting frustrated at what I thought was going to be an easy job.
93cruiser
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite Tx
Fast Cop
Hang in there, the first time I attempted to remove the exhaust system I came to the conclusion that it was impossible, I tried to do it the same way you are. Disconnecting the flange from the DS and loosing the clamps on the PS post cat.
I went back at it again and removed the two bolts in the cat on the PS by approaching them from rear of the cat and reaching up with the ratchet box wrench. Once I got them and the flange on the exhaust manifold on the PS disconnected the whole system was able to shift over enough for the OS on the DS to clear the transmission and the lingage.
Good luck
Hang in there, the first time I attempted to remove the exhaust system I came to the conclusion that it was impossible, I tried to do it the same way you are. Disconnecting the flange from the DS and loosing the clamps on the PS post cat.
I went back at it again and removed the two bolts in the cat on the PS by approaching them from rear of the cat and reaching up with the ratchet box wrench. Once I got them and the flange on the exhaust manifold on the PS disconnected the whole system was able to shift over enough for the OS on the DS to clear the transmission and the lingage.
Good luck
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 62
From: Columbia SC
OK, exhaust system removed. While I have it off I am going to redo the mufflers as the flat black has peeled. This is a TSB item from the factory. I am also going to polish the exhaust system while I have it off.
The reason I initially took it off was a trans fluid leak that I thought was the rear extension seal, and after looking at it thought it might be the speed sensor o-ring. But upon closer examination after I removed the electrical connector from the speed sensor the trans fluod leak is from their. Has anyone ever experienced this? I am going to get a new speed sensor and replace it and see it this works as I know now for a fact that is where the leak is.
Now that I have the exhaust off other that what I have already listed any suggestions of what else I may what to do while its off?
Again thanks in advance and also thanks for all the great feedback during the exhaust removal.
Oh, I am thinking of taking the c-beam off for a more extensive cleaning and the FSM calls for a beed of sealer around the top and bottom mating surfaces, they give a part number but any advice of what type of sealer to use?
Thanks again.
The reason I initially took it off was a trans fluid leak that I thought was the rear extension seal, and after looking at it thought it might be the speed sensor o-ring. But upon closer examination after I removed the electrical connector from the speed sensor the trans fluod leak is from their. Has anyone ever experienced this? I am going to get a new speed sensor and replace it and see it this works as I know now for a fact that is where the leak is.
Now that I have the exhaust off other that what I have already listed any suggestions of what else I may what to do while its off?
Again thanks in advance and also thanks for all the great feedback during the exhaust removal.
Oh, I am thinking of taking the c-beam off for a more extensive cleaning and the FSM calls for a beed of sealer around the top and bottom mating surfaces, they give a part number but any advice of what type of sealer to use?
Thanks again.