Muffler Bolts Pushed into Bumper?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
Muffler Bolts Pushed into Bumper?
Can't believe I managed this.......... 
When installing the Borlas, I pushed the bolts that attached the muffler to the lower bumper up into the bumper.
Now I can't hang the mufflers
Any suggestions?
When installing the Borlas, I pushed the bolts that attached the muffler to the lower bumper up into the bumper.
Now I can't hang the mufflers
Any suggestions?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Join the club. I think they are joined like a "U" bolt. I managed to fish mine out after I did the same thing. Suggest you leave the car, swear for a while to get it out and then try and get the bolt (that's what I did). I also think from the factory the center of the "U" bolt is fastened, so if you look in the hole you may see the bolt and be able to carefully ease it back to the hole. Kind of a dumb design if you ask me.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
I have tried several magnets, plus tried hammering the bumper with a rubber mallet to help move the bolt. However, my hand is now messed up and cut up from the heat shield and still not visible. Still am swearing over the problem and will take the rest of the day off. You guys have much more drive than me!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by out2run
Can't believe I managed this..........
When installing the Borlas, I pushed the bolts that attached the muffler to the lower bumper up into the bumper.
Now I can't hang the mufflers
Any suggestions?
When installing the Borlas, I pushed the bolts that attached the muffler to the lower bumper up into the bumper.
Now I can't hang the mufflers
Any suggestions?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by turboo2u
This happened to me 2 months ago. There are suppose to be retaining washers to keep this from happening, but if the mufflers have been off a few times, the washers have probably fallen off. Unfortunately, I had to pull the bumper to reach my hand in thru the backbone of the car to get the hangers out. It's a hassle but it can be done in about 2 hours. Use a friend to lift the bumper as not to scratch it. INSTALL THE WASHERS WITH REINSTALLATION to avoid the problem again.
The lock washers, how are they attached? I don't recall seeing any? Could they also be inside the bumper?
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
Got It
Went back to bumper with a homemade (magnet piece on coat hanger)magnet assembly, as well as a retractable magnet from auto zone.
I was able to latch onto the bolts with the curved magnet and drag one end to the other bolt hole. Then took the other magnet and was able to pupp the one bolt out! Used fingers to position the other bolt out the hole! Took about 2 minutes..........
I think it is pure luck to have found the bolts.
Its also amazing what a relaxed attitude can bring to one when correcting our guffy mistakes.
Thanks
I was able to latch onto the bolts with the curved magnet and drag one end to the other bolt hole. Then took the other magnet and was able to pupp the one bolt out! Used fingers to position the other bolt out the hole! Took about 2 minutes..........
I think it is pure luck to have found the bolts.
Its also amazing what a relaxed attitude can bring to one when correcting our guffy mistakes.
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Originally Posted by out2run
Its also amazing what a relaxed attitude can bring to one when correcting our guffy mistakes.
Thanks
Yep, thats why I walked around and swore for a while
Glad you got them out
