I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Removing the larger exhaust hangers.
I’ve purchased a used aftermarket backbox and trying to fit it myself. After struggling to remove the very rusted flange bolts connecting the old back box, I ended up having to cut one of them out. I’m now faced with the next issue which is the hangers. The smaller ones seem to be easy to get off with a bit of soap/ wd40 but the larger type do not want to budge after spending most of yesterday afternoon trying to remove them I’m getting tired with them. I’ve tried wiggling them off, tried using a big flat head to lift it off the hanger and get some lubricant in there, which seemed to help but the top side of the rubber is still stuck.
Are there any tricks to removing these or is it easier to cut them and replace?
They should come off OK with some lubricant. Twist them so that they spin on the hangers, clean off any rust on the ends of the hangers then pull off while twisting. If they’re in that much of a bad way you could always cut them off and replace them for about 15 pounds the set.
Thanks for the reply, I’ll have to give it another go either tonight or tomorrow. If it does come to cutting them what do I need to be looking for in a replacement? Would the generic ones from Halfords do the job or is it better to buy the oem ones from mx5parts?
It’s worth noting there are 2 different sizes of back box rubber hangers if original Mazda.
I found this out when replacing my back box, I put them in the wrong positions and when refitted it looked on the wonk😁
Apologies for not replying. Thanks for the replies. I realised there were 2 different sizes as the larger ones are the ones that are not budging. I’ll have to have another go when the weather dries up. Is their a knack to getting them off other then lubricate and twist?
If I remember there’s a flange on the original back box hanger points, it’s getting the rubber hanger over these that presents grief.
I used liberal amounts of silicone spray and a long meaty screwdriver to ease them off.
Yes plenty of cursing helps too, on your back at an awkward angle, it’ll eventually slide off.
Putting the newer one on or removing is a piece of cake, some just have a straight bar, they slip on very easy.
Meaty screwdriver - put it in OVER the hanger on the car so it rides the bush over the small flange.
Pull the bush towards the end of the hanger whilst easing it over the flange with the screwdriver.
It helps if you have a trolly jack and a block of wood to take the weight off the box whilst fighting with it.
Thanks guys. Bought a set of channel locks which helped massivel. Managed to get it done last night bit disappointed with the sound but it may be due to running no back box the last week as I was too defeated to put the bolts back in after battling with it.