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Simple way to remove exhaust clamps? by rallydiesel on 15 Jun, 2007 19:39
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I am going to be pulling our 1.6 TD's engine for the first time and want to know how you guys remove the C clamps on the down pipe? Could I just use a couple curved rods to lever them open or do I need a special tool?
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#1 by Fisher on 15 Jun, 2007 19:43
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Getting them off is easy, you can just stick a screw driver into the hole in one end and pry them off, watch your face when you do it. Getting them back on is the hard part.
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#2 by burn_your_money on 15 Jun, 2007 20:31
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For removal I used to pry them off with a ratchet or screwdriver, whatever was handy.
Now I use this
worth it's weight in gold
If you need tips for installation without the tool just ask -
#3 by Vincent Waldon on 15 Jun, 2007 20:44
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Some one has to say it: search for "exhaust clamp" here and on www.vwdieselparts.com and you'll find pictures of various home made tools and lots of discussion.
Vince -
#4 by foxracer1 on 15 Jun, 2007 22:54
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take an exhaust clamp and put the nuts on the u bolt. then put the saddle backwards on the ubolt stick in the c clamp and back the nuts off of the u bolt forcing the c clamp apart. a 1.75" or 2" clamp works
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#5 by Darth Garry on 16 Jun, 2007 07:59
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With a pair of these wedges, they become a former-pain-in-the-ass exhaust clamps as with the wedges, it becomes a 2 minute process.
These wedges can be made by anyone with some flat steel stock and a way to cut it and a grinder.
First the photos:
Here are the wedges in action holding the springs open.
Here's the part number of the big one. I don't know if it's something you can still order, but it is a genuine VW/Audi part. My dad got a few sets when he worked at the dealership.
So, how do you use these, you ask?
It's simple, and doesen't involve messing around with prybars, weird u bolt openers, or the weird clamp opening tool. Here's what you need:
EYE PROTECTION! You are forcing these springs open. I made the mistake of dropping one once, and there is enough force to send the spring flying. It flew at me and took a large chunk out of my eyeglasses. I can't stress this strongly enough!
Your wedges.
A set of channel lock pliers.
2 minutes.
1) Take the big wedge and jam it into the C clip as far as you can.
2) Take your channel lock pliers and adjust them to get a good grip on the downpipe.
3) Rotate the downpipe with the pliers as to force the C clip open further
4) Jam the wedge in as far as it will go.
5) Repeat a few times until you have the C clip open pretty far.
6) Rotate the pipe the opposite direction. There should be sufficient space to get the C clip off of the exhaust pipe.
Do the same for the other side, and your exhaust is off!
To put them back on, put the wedged C clip in place, and rotate the downpipe as to open up the C clip enough to get the wedge out. Repeat. Done.
If the exhaust clips are going to be off for a while, it is best to take the C clips out of the wedges so they don't get stretched out.
I hope this helps, and maybe will save some of you guys some time. Maybe someone on here could even market the things.
Garry -
#6 by BellCityDubber on 16 Jun, 2007 08:43
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Quote from: "foxracer1"
take an exhaust clamp and put the nuts on the u bolt. then put the saddle backwards on the ubolt stick in the c clamp and back the nuts off of the u bolt forcing the c clamp apart. a 1.75" or 2" clamp works
this is the way I've always done it -
#7 by CoolAirVw on 16 Jun, 2007 12:07
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Aqui esta.
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#8 by saurkraut on 18 Jun, 2007 14:22
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Muffler clamps are the best. 2.5" Especiall on the TDs. Muffler clamps fit in there better than the purpose built tools.
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#9 by Black Smokin' Diesel on 18 Jun, 2007 18:13
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IMO using any tool and any trick in the world, it's still a PITA to do. The exhaust clam trick works good but it's a PITA to work with when removing the passenger side clamp.
