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Help with busting stubborn bolts loose

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Old Nov 6, 2002 | 06:34 PM
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Default Help with busting stubborn bolts loose

Well, my PRTs are in and my Rhino ramps combined with the drop off at the end of my driveway give me sufficient room to remove the stock exhaust system. Only problem was that I couldn't get the four bolts that hold it to the exhaust pipe to budge. I was using a socket with a foot long handle and PB penetrating lubricant.

What should I use?
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Old Nov 6, 2002 | 06:38 PM
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Default Re: Help with busting stubborn bolts loose (Scissors)

This will sound flippant, but it's not: get a longer handle. I had the same problem when I replaced my '00 exhaust, but my Dad brought out a 3' breaker bar (!), and they loosened right up. I don't think you need to worry about twisting the heads off, since you've got them lubed with penetrating oil.

Hope this helps,
Mike
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Old Nov 6, 2002 | 06:39 PM
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Default Re: Help with busting stubborn bolts loose (VetteDrmr)

Would Home Depot have 3' breaker bars or should Pep Boys have one?
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Old Nov 6, 2002 | 06:49 PM
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Default Re: Help with busting stubborn bolts loose (Scissors)

Don't know if PB penetrating lubricant is anything like Liquid Wrench, but Liquid Wrench is supposed to work very well in loosening rusted items.
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Old Nov 6, 2002 | 07:44 PM
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Default Re: Help with busting stubborn bolts loose (Scissors)

Scissors - don't go buy a long breaker bar, they cost a bunch of $. Just get a piece of plumbing pipe or electrical conduit that will fit snugly over your breaker bar and extend the length. All you are really looking for is leverage and rotational torque to remove that rusted bolt. The piece of pipe should cost $2-3. 3 foot breaker bar $35 or more. Save the $ for more mods. :D
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Old Nov 7, 2002 | 12:10 AM
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Default Re: Help with busting stubborn bolts loose (Scissors)

Is it possible to get an impact wrench on it?
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Old Nov 7, 2002 | 12:35 AM
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Default Re: Help with busting stubborn bolts loose (Scissors)

try heating it up. A cheap propane soldering torch will do wonders
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Old Nov 7, 2002 | 01:07 AM
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Default Re: Help with busting stubborn bolts loose (kenfusion)

Penetrating oil.
Then heat.
Then long breaker bar.
I use the handle on my floor jack for really tough jobs. It fits over my 18" breaker bar. Total length then is about 3 1/2'.
If it won't come off with that it probably won't come off without breaking something.
Dave
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Old Nov 7, 2002 | 10:29 AM
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Default Re: Help with busting stubborn bolts loose (Scissors)

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply you had to go buy one, my Dad just had one at his shop. I use my floor jack handle to go over my 1/2" breaker bar (Craftsman). One section is usually enough leverage to break things loose. I've also used an impact wrench, but there's not enough room on these. You might get enough room if you drop the muffler hangers first, but I don't know.

Hope this helps,
Mike
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