ABs rusted to over-axle pipes - tips for loosening/removal?

matt5058

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So I'm trying to remove my Roush ABs (been on the car since right after I bought it, five and a half years ago, approximately 57k miles) to try out another set I just picked up. I got the clamp off and it looks like the AB is sealed/rusted to the over axle pipe. I tried some WD-40 but it doesn't seem to be doing the trick. I did some googling and found a thread where some folks suggested something like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench rather than WD40. Others suggested using a torch to heat it up :eek: but I don't have anything like that. Any suggestions?

Here's what I'm dealing with:
IMG-4283.JPG
 

basspro302

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Remove it from the hangers get a dead blow hammer and a 2x4. Use the 2x4 to spread out the force on the back of the muffler and smack it.
 

nyuk98GT

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matt5058,

Good suggestions and good interweb researching.

May I suggest the following:

PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench, let it sit for 15 minutes, then give it a rap with the hammer (cushioned by the 2x4). If a few whacks doesn't do it, apply heat and give it a rap while the joint is still warm.
PB Blaster, heat, and a hammer to persuade things are reliable ingredients.

HTH,

Chris
 

matt5058

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I picked up a dead blow hammer but didn’t end up having enough time to give it another try. Will attempt again during my next free weekend. Thanks for the suggestions. :D
 

MG0h3

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Yep. PB blaster and then a deadblow. Should be ezpeezy


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matt5058

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I fractured a rib last week so I have not made a second attempt. I'm also currently trying to buy a fox body, though the universe is thwarting those efforts. I may try again with the exhaust next weekend, provided its not 20 degrees again.
 

matt5058

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A little over two months later, I finally managed to get this done. Swapped out the Roush ABs for some "mystery mufflers" - unknown brand ABs that I got from another member on here for a good price. The sound at idle is a little bit lower than the Roush but they sound pretty much the same at low RPMs. High RPMs is where I really noticed the difference though....the mystery ABs are definitely quieter and don't have the snap, crackle, pop of the Roush ABs. I'm going to have to give it a few days or weeks and see how I like them. The middle ones are the "mystery" ABs:

IMG-7718.jpg

In the meanwhile, I need to clean up and polish the Roush ABs. They are looking pretty heinous.

IMG-7745.jpg
 

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