Exhaust Leak

[grilled cheeseus]

Just replaced the original gasket on my 2007 hatchback with 120k miles and 10 salty upstate NY winters. :D

Photos

Before trying to loosen the flange bolts, I used a MAP-Pro torch ($50 at the Homeless Despot) to get the nuts red-hot. You can hit the nuts with a torch from the engine bay -- I unclipped a wiring harness to make more room to work. Watch your aim -- there are O2 sensor wires just above the flange on the driver's side.

After heating each nut, I crawled underneath, hammered a socket with long extension onto the rusty bolt head, and carefully(!) applied torque. Got them both loose with no fuss, and the rest of the job was easy. I used new bolts but kept the original captive nuts.

The replacement gasket I used was a Walker 31619. May be a little different than OEM gasket size (definitely different material), but it seems to make a good seal. Car sounds much quieter now and less rough when accelerating. I'm probably breathing cleaner cabin air too.

[myfirstyota]

Originally Posted by grilled cheeseus

Before trying to loosen the flange bolts, I used a MAP-Pro torch ($50 at the Homeless Despot) to get the nuts red-hot. You can hit the nuts with a torch from the engine bay -- I unclipped a wiring harness to make more room to work. Watch your aim -- there are O2 sensor wires just above the flange on the driver's side.

After heating each nut, I crawled underneath, hammered a socket with long extension onto the rusty bolt head, and carefully(!) applied torque.

Has never failed me. I've done 3 of these gaskets now. Gasket from Toyota (canada) $50-60, I think the bolts are $7 and change each.