Date:         Sun, 13 Feb 2005 01:00:34 -0500
Reply-To:     Jonathan Farrugia <jfarrugi@UMICH.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jonathan Farrugia <jfarrugi@UMICH.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Secret of the Exhaust Nuts?
Comments: To: "Chris S." <mrpolak@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <20050213051434.80680.qmail@web52502.mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

heat and vibration are some of your other options.  i like vibration a lot
so that is what i would go with first.  this is the same idea that a
impact wrench works on.  the vibration helps to break up the iron oxide
crystals from what i have heard.  vibrate the nut with a punch and light
fast sharp raps with a hammer.  heavy blows will get you nowhere you want
vibration not thuds.  i generally go a minimum of 100 blows before trying
the fastner again.  try to hit the nut on as many flats as you can get
your punch on.  additionally you can put a box end wrench on the nut and
try to get the vibration in that way.  i would go with the punch first.

often times on these vehicles i find the nut comes off with the stud
attached.  when you get around to re-assembly get yourself some stainless
nuts 8mm x 1.25 and if you really want to get fancy order your self some
stainless threaded rod and cut it up into studs.  that tip comes via
another list member i forget who.  always use anti-seize on exhaust
fastners.

jonathan

On Sat, 12 Feb 2005, Chris S. wrote:

> What is the secret to exhaust nut removal?
>
> I doused them with PB, then I prayed, then I cursed, because the
> darn things would not budge.
>
> Soooo.. dremel them off?  Bite them off?  Any ideas?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
> =====
> Chris S.
>
> '84 Westy -> http://www.knology.net/~vwghost/hershey/
> '01 NB TDI -> http://www.knology.net/~vw/Beetle.jpg
>
>
>