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How To Remove Rusted Exhaust Bolts From Your Car?

ByPhilipp Meister-January 11, 2024

The rusted exhaust bolt never moves or bridges easily and one might have to apply certain methods to do so. However, breaking or drilling the bolt is the only option that strikes the mind at that time. One may wonder “how to remove rusted exhaust bolts” easily from cars. Numerous techniques are applied to get rid of these dilemmas.

One might face the frustration of the highest degree while getting the car repaired or restored. And, the frustration comes in the form of rusted stuck exhaust bolts. This usually happens in cars because of the corrosion and aging of the nuts and bolts. 

So, let us find the alleviating solutions to this regular frustration.

Wondering How To Remove Rusted Exhaust Bolts? The Techniques

The real enemy of the mechanics and technicians servicing any car is rust. And, tackling the rusted exhaust bolts is not that easy. This is because one has to get rid of this without doing any damage to the car parts. 

You can’t just start hammering or drilling holes around the car body to pull out the rusted bolts. However, working with a strategy may assist in completing the project in no time.

Some of the techniques to divest yourself of the rusted exhaust bolts are:

1. Apply Suitable Force

Applying appropriate force to loosen up the intractable exhaust bolts is the first possible way that every mechanic considers. Hitting with suitable force on the head of the bolt might help in some ways. 

Or, one can use proper equipment like a chisel or wrench to loosen the bolt by hitting the parts forward and backward slowly. This might be the first and perfect solution for how to remove rusted exhaust bolts

The solution may vary from how stubborn the bolt is. So, apply the relevant force and do not end in breaking up the complete setup.

Trendy points on how to remove rusted exhaust bolts. (Photo: PXhere)

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2. Heat It All

Heating the rusted exhaust bolts and then cooling to the highest degree expands and contracts it at the same time. This might loosen the stubborn bolt and make it easier to move it with simple tools. 

This system removes the rust and corrosion from the bolt threads as well. So, apply it once to make things work properly.

3. Drill Out Gun

Numerous equipment is easily accessible in the market to drill out the rusted bolts. Clean the surface as clean as it can be to make the effort worthwhile. The drill out gun assists in removing rusted exhaust bolts effortlessly. 

But, there are chances of cracking the bolt inside the setup as well. However, taking maintenance tips from the professionals might help in doing the job perfectly. So, make sure to do things with proper command.

4. Put Cuts On The Bolt

Putting cuts on the nut and bolts is a sure-shot method to remove immovable bolts. One can apply suitable force with soft hands for removing rusted exhaust flange bolts in no time. 

This is because splitting the bolt into pieces reduces the tension in it thus making it simple to rotate and move.

Reliable ideas on how to remove rusted exhaust bolts. (Photo: PXfuel)

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FAQs on Remove Rusted Exhaust Bolts From Your Car

  1. Is it possible to prevent rusted exhaust bolts altogether?

While preventing rust entirely might be challenging, regular maintenance and applying rust inhibitors can significantly reduce the likelihood of exhaust bolts rusting.

  1. Can I use WD-40 as a penetrating oil?

While WD-40 can be used as a light penetrating oil, specialized penetrating oils like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are generally more effective for rusted bolts.

  1. Are rusty bolts dangerous for my car’s performance?

Rusted bolts can lead to exhaust leaks, which in turn can affect your car’s performance and fuel efficiency.

  1. Can I use a hacksaw to remove a rusted bolt?

Using a hacksaw is not recommended, as it can damage the surrounding components. It’s better to use proper tools like a wrench, socket set, or bolt extractor.

  1. How often should I inspect my exhaust system for rust?

Perform visual inspections every few months, especially after winter or exposure to corrosive conditions. This can help you catch rust and corrosion early, preventing more significant issues.

  1. Can I use vinegar to remove rust from exhaust bolts?

Vinegar can help remove rust to some extent due to its acidic nature, but it might not be as effective as specialized penetrating oils. If you’re using vinegar, be sure to rinse the area thoroughly afterward to prevent any damage.

  1. What if the exhaust manifold is rusted as well?

If the exhaust manifold is rusted, the removal process might become more challenging. It’s essential to be extra careful to avoid damaging the manifold. Applying penetrating oil and using proper tools can still help in loosening the rusted bolts.

If the exhaust manifold is also rusted, the removal process might become more challenging. (Photo: Live Free)
  1. Is there a risk of breaking the bolts during removal?

There is a risk of breaking rusted bolts, especially if excessive force is applied. To minimize this risk, make sure to use the right tools, apply penetrating oil, and work gradually. If a bolt does break, you might need professional assistance to extract it.

  1. Can I prevent rusting by tightening the bolts more?

Tightening already rusted bolts won’t prevent rust; in fact, it could make the situation worse.

Tightening can cause the bolts to seize further, making them even harder to remove in the future. Preventative measures and proper maintenance are more effective.

  1. Are stainless steel bolts a good replacement option?

Using stainless steel bolts can be a good idea to prevent future rusting. However, it’s crucial to choose the right grade of stainless steel that can withstand the high temperatures of the exhaust system without corroding.

All in all, these were some of the methods to get rid of stubborn bolts. Hope you have got the answer for “how to remove rusted exhaust bolts” now. So, choose any method and try it once to get rid of the inflexible bolts.

Philipp Meister is an amazing part of Car From Japan’s blogger team. After obtaining a degree in Automotive Technology from Technical University of Munich, Philipp worked as a technician in various Volvo dealerships. He has long been a car owner and enthusiast. With over 20 years experience in the automotive industry, he has great discussions about car that provide you interesting information of most famous cars. If you are a car lover and want to get most-updated trend of automotive industry, Philipp’s blog is a must-visit site.

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