How to Loosen Rusted Nuts & Bolts on Mufflers

Rusting bolts are a pain to deal with but can be loosened with special equipment. When it comes time to dealing with a set of rusting nuts and bolts on your muffler, that can be tricky as well, as sometimes it can be more difficult to access the hardware. Fortunately, with a few tricks, it can be done.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Penetrating oil
• Shop rags
• 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set

Instructions

1. Lift the vehicle in the air using the jack and secure it on jack stands. Make sure the vehicle is secure before you crawl underneath it.

2. Locate the rusted hardware on the muffler you wish to remove. Spray the penetrating lubricant onto the bolt and nut, coating it thoroughly. Clean up excess lubricant with a shop rag.

3. Loosen the bolt using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set. You may be able to break the bolt free from the rust with just one application of the penetrating lubricant.

4. Apply more penetrating lubricant to the rusted bolt if needed. Coat all surfaces and down into the threads if possible. Allow this to sit overnight.

5. Attempt to remove the bolt again using the 3/8-inch ratchet. Repeat Step 4 until the bolt can be removed.

References

• Liquid Wrench penetrant
• Kroil penetrating oil