Down-Pipe Clamp (won't hold)
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
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Down-Pipe Clamp (won't hold)
Ever since I removed the turbo for rebuild and upgrades I can't keep the down-pipe from touching the tranny cross-member.
Is there a better clamp? Does the original get stretched out?
? This clamp is as tight as it will go. The vibration/rattle sound on the cross-member drives me crazy.
It will only stay in place for about 10 minutes of driving then it got right back.
Thanks in advance,
Jason
Is there a better clamp? Does the original get stretched out?
? This clamp is as tight as it will go. The vibration/rattle sound on the cross-member drives me crazy. It will only stay in place for about 10 minutes of driving then it got right back.Thanks in advance,
Jason
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Parker, CO
Loosen the downpipe clamp and all other clamps on the exhaust system. Have someone hold the downpipe in position away from the trans crossmember bolt while you tighten up the v-band clamp. Then continue to work your way down the exhaust system, holding each pipe in place as you tighten it down. That's the only way you're going to get it to work again.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
Jason try soaking the bolts in PB Blaster. I live right near the ocean and between that and the salt from the roads everythig is rusted. I have had goood luck with PB and sometimes a little heat.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Parker, CO
Probably. Thanks for your help Curtis. I guess this is a common issue? My exhaust has been on since summer 06.
I've removed my turbo a few times, and I've noticed that my exhaust shifted closer to the trans crossmember bolt. I haven't fixed it yet, but I did see that it has already vibrated around enough where there is a small mark on the exhaust right at that bolt. So it's starting to touch. Looks like one of these days I'm going to have to mess with it.
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Lead Driver
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From: Damon (South East Texas)
I had to grind the heads of the bolts on the X-member brace to gain some clearance on mine. I did this when I had the trans out during my rebuild. The bolts heads were rubbing slightly and creating some noise at idle in gear. There was a bar connecting the bolt heads, so removing a little material didn't matter.
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Thread Starter
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Postmaster
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I had to grind the heads of the bolts on the X-member brace to gain some clearance on mine. I did this when I had the trans out during my rebuild. The bolts heads were rubbing slightly and creating some noise at idle in gear. There was a bar connecting the bolt heads, so removing a little material didn't matter.
I don't have a problem getting the bolts and clamps off. I getting the pipes loose....
I'm thinking about cutting that piece off and using flex pipe like with stacks. Will that work?
I really want a single black stack but also want to up-grade from the TT to a 5er. And the black soot on a new 5er would irritate me a little. I'm hard to please.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
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From: Lancaster, Pa.
Mine started that not to long ago too. Everything was fine at first, guess it loosened up a bit. Loosened everything up and circled the spot and pulled apart, put a little indent with a ball peen hammer. Wasn't to crazy about wacking it but who,s gonna see.
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Postmaster
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Anyone know of a tool that would crimp/dent the pipe without removing it?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
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From: Rochdale MA
After giving it some thought you could use a piece of angle iron on the stationary side so that it catches the sides of the pipe.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 665
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From: Kingsland, GA
I had this same problem when I did my 5"... I ended up using a big pry bar to dent the pipe a bit more after it was installed... Just get the tip of the bar right where the bolt heads are...
As for breaking pipes loose, I found the best way was to soak the pipe joint in PB blaster and whack it with a rubber mallet...
Hope these help!
As for breaking pipes loose, I found the best way was to soak the pipe joint in PB blaster and whack it with a rubber mallet...
Hope these help!