Disintegrated exhaust bolts

[firebobby]

I remember my old Land Rover had steel bolts and brass nuts fitted to the exhaust clamps, I could always undo the brass nuts, never seized.

[Roundozo]

Managed to get the exhaust off today. I tried heating one stud up and hitting it out but wasn't budging so decided not to risk damaging anything so ordered some more Dremel cutting discs, I'll cut them flush and drill them out.

I save all old nuts and bolts so managed to fish out some M10x40mm bolts that will fit and ordered a couple of these gaskets. The size is ECEG66 VOG30 52mm I.D 78mm E-E 2 Pin Gasket if anyone else is looking to do this job.

https://www.clampcouk.co.uk/exhaust-rep ... skets.html

Much cheaper than £12 each!

What engine have you got? Just wanted to check as I need these gaskets, got a 3.0si if that helps.

[JakeGT]

3.0si n52.. I haven't received the gaskets yet should be either today or tomorrow so I'll let you know how well they fit.

[biojo]

is it me or is there 2 versions of the flange steady, one that connects to 2 bolts

part 6 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=18_0651
part 4 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=18_0653

18207547105

and one that connects to 3?

bmw online show same part number but different diagrams

[JakeGT]

Hmm yeah not sure why there are 2. Mine is the first one.

I've just tried these gaskets. They are about a mil or 2 smaller in circumference than OEM ones. I'm not sure it if it would realistically cause any restriction?

[Roundozo]

How did you get on with this by the way?

[JakeGT]

Still need to cut and drill out the studs but weather hasn't been great but hopefully get it done this weekend.

[Roundozo]

Let me know how it goes as I'll need the gaskets too but BMW want £11 a gasket!! I know that's not astronomical but it's rather high for what it is.

[JakeGT]

Making slow progress unfortunately. Managed to cut the studs flush with a dremel but got through about 10 discs. Now trying to drill them out but going through drill bits like butter.

[biojo]

are they cheap drill bits lol

also are you using a small one first then going up in size?

[JakeGT]

They weren't that cheap, think it's mainly because I haven't been using cutting fluid. Started off with a 3mm and working up to 10mm but they are all shot, I think I need a new set.

[stupot67]

Hi,
The exhaust bolts are an alloy steel similar to Inconel (Hard as hell) - Use your drill at low speed, with plenty of cutting fluid and you should be O.K, too quick and your burn the drill tip out.
Stu.

[GuidoK]

Use cobalt drills.
They stay sharp much longer.

That's what you use for alloys with high nickel content.

[JakeGT]

Finally. Using some WD40 lithium grease really helped but was still a long process and a job I wouldn't like to do again. As you can see some of the old stud remains in the holes but at this point I don't care I've just filed them flat.

Next step get the exhaust back on

[Roundozo]

Keep us posted. Watching with interest.