I'm wondering if there are any tricks to removing the exhaust system out of my 1997 jeep Cherokee sport. The rods coming off the exhaust running into the rubber holders are giving my a headache. Any trick to removing this would be great. I'm having to drop the transmission to change the two freeze plugs in between the engine and the trans. Its being a pita.

 

WD-40, a pry bar, and some cussing usually get the job done.

 

No, don't use WD-40. Use a penetrating oil like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench. Also heating the nuts slightly with a propane torch will help. I like to hit them the the torch and then spray PB Blaster on them.

 

Any tricks to turning that flex plate?😰

 

Socket on harmonic balancer bolt?

 

Okay, thank you. I wasn't sure how to go about it.

 

Particularly if you aren't re-using exhaust parts, I would use an angle grinder to cut a line in the end of the pipe(s) where they connect, and get a pry bar or flat head in it and separate it a bit more, then with some wiggling back and forth it'll come right off. If it isn't a deep or long cut, it won't keep it from being re-usable, though, and you could always patch up the spot with a banjo clamp if need be.

 

I'm pretty sure he just wants to slide the rubbers off of the hangers, not disassemble the whole exhaust into pieces.

 

Thank you, I got the exhaust out, now for the big question.... What do you think about expandable freeze plugs?

 

They're ok in a pinch for a temporary repair, but not for a long term fix. The brass expandable plugs are a better choice over the rubber expandable plugs. You may be limited for space and won't be able to use the expandable plugs at the back of the block.

 

Absolutely get the brass ones! Unless you want to lay under your Jeep again in a few months.

Make sure to clean the holes well and apply a thin coat of black RTV to the edges of the plugs before driving them in.

 

sawzall..... i can have a whole exhaust off in minutes, for the hanger rods, i usually cut the rod in half and just slide them out of the rubber isolaters