hello,
i just purchased a TRD catback exhaust sytem for my 97 4runner V6 and am in the process of removing the old one. it is extremely rusted and i havent been able to move even one bolt. my last resort is taking it to the shop but i was wondering if anyone knew some really good way to get rusty bolts out. thanks

 

try some pb blaster and let it soak fo a couple of days. If that doesnt work, try using heat. this is where a torch set comes in handy.

 

AH.....THe enjoyment of working with rusty metal. Have you ever noticed that rust always manages to find its way right into you eye?

rowdy4runnin is right. Heat and soaking it with PB blaster, liquid wrench, lps something like that. Just be careful with the heat and penetrant. The last thing you want to do is start a fire under your rig. I have used a propane torch and wax. That works good. The only problem is it's kind of a pain to juggle both of them at once.

 

Lubricant, torch, and cutting tool are your best friends, in that order....

First try some sort of penetrating lubricant, as was already mentioned. There are a lot of brands out there, WD-40 and JB 80 have always done me well. If that doesn't do it, you can torch the rusted parts; if you don't have a torch you can pick one up for like $30. Lastly, if you're going after rusted bolts, just get a grinder or other cutting tool out and cut the darn things off! Good luck!

 

thanks guys. i ended up cutting a nut off and tried to hammer the bolt back out but its rock solid and wouldnt budge. im gonna have to take it somewhere and just let them do it. oh well.

 

Can you drill it out and tap it. A tap and die set in an older vehicles best friend.

 

my dad has a tap and die set but we dont have any drill bits that will go through this stuff. its like airplane steel!

 

Anytime I work on any exhaust system from my vehicles to my lawn mower I replace all bolts and nuts with stainless steel, this way if you do smash a pipe or something happens they back right out!~