C5 Muffler Hanger Bolts

[TooFast]

Help! Either you guys are all going to have a good laugh on me or I am in big trouble. I undid all of the hanger bolts that hold the rear mufflers in place to drop the muffs to repaint them. I did not realize that the bolts are not fixed in place. When I went to reinstall one side, I pushed one of the bolts through the frame and I cannot figure out how to get it. Do I have to remove the trunk carpet ('vert), inner wheel wells or I don't even want to think about it the rear body facia (ugh!). I see posts about folks installing rear exhaust systems all the time, I never read anything about the hanger bolts being a problem???...please help...you can laugh all you want.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[TooFast]

Update - As I was gingerly puting the other nut in place, I heard a click and the bolt that was up in the frame dropped back into place. Anyway all is well and both hangers are secure. I removed the back-up light assy and I can't find anywhere to access those bolts, are they in a secure channnel that lets them move up and down? I would still appreciate any input for future use.

Mark

 

[jrose7004]

I'm glad it turned out well for you!

 

[Toms007]

Update - are they in a secure channnel that lets them move up and down? I would still appreciate any input for future use.

Mark

Yes, inquiring minds want to know......

 

[Mr. Lucky]

Those hanger bolts are a special part that is shaped like a U-bolt with the middle flattened. If only one side gets pushed up, you can usually rotate the remaining shaft and get it to drop into place like you did. If you absolutely cannot get it (or both threaded shafts got pushed up), you might get lucky by poking around with a bent clothes hanger. Otherwise, you have to remove the rear facia. ad

 

[Hib Halverson]

"Too Fast" IM'ed me about the same post at the top, so I decided to answer, here.

I've never had the mufflers off my 04 because I like the performance and sound of the OE ti muffler system. So, I've never had the, uh...pleasure...of dealing with those fasteners, but it sounds like "Mr. Lucky" has the procedure down pat.

 

[jrose7004]

"Too Fast" IM'ed me about the same post at the top, so I decided to answer, here.

I've never had the mufflers off my 04 because I like the performance and sound of the OE ti muffler system. So, I've never had the, uh...pleasure...of dealing with those fasteners, but it sounds like "Mr. Lucky" has the procedure down pat.

Well now he can tell you how to do it Hib!

 

[TooFast]

I learned my lesson the hard way, again. After almost 40 years of poking around cars you would think I might have taken better precaution...I was just extremely lucky this time. My recommendation would be to not touch the back muffler hangers unless you absolutely have to. Although now knowing that they are actually a "U" type set -up I would handle the removal differently. Once again the forum proves it is a great place for info. Thanks to all.

Mark