taking off the exhust (rusted nuts)

[vixenlotus]

So i went to take off the cat back today and i found the nuts holding on to the exhaust flange completely rusted. I have never even put a socket on them and they were rusted nubs, no flat surface at all. (just the nuts)

Now odd thing is that the exhaust studs seem to be stainless steel and they look to be in good shape (can anyone confirm this?)

What is the best strategy for getting these off? Should i try to use a nut splitter? or one of those sockets with teeth that dig in and grab when you spin it backward? I do not have a torch and would like to save the studs if i can.

thank you for the help.

 

[TheJesterRace27]

You can get a small torch at home depot for like 30 bucks. If you do any sort of exhaust work its a MUST have. While you're at it grab a can of pb blaster. Are the nuts rounded off?

 

[CanadianGuy]

Get yourself some bolt extractors. These byte into the nut (even round) and creates and mechanical means to remove it. You will need new nuts. THese pay for themselves over time.

http://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...1574!&ef_id=UuqDdQAAACsdTtWE:20170417115951:s

 

[thePete]

Yep. External extractors. Also, exhaust hardware rusting is common. Heat cycling does fucky things.