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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.

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.