Well i started removing my old downpipe as my new one arrives tommorrow, and it is such a bitch to remove. I have a 99 1.8t FWD A4, quattro is deffinately different in the downpipe install as far as space. Has anyone with a FWD installed a new downpipe, any hints or tips. I got one bolt off and the other two i broke loose but they are so hard to turn now. The problem is room, there is none of it. I am considering cutting the bolts off because I am recieving new ones with the new downpipe. Any help would be appriciated.

 

use penatrating oil.

 

I did..... I think im just going to cut them tommorrow, its easier and i have new ones that come with the downpipe. Its so f-in cramped in there, im actually doing most of the work from the wheel well, not underneath thats how bad it sucks.

 

rent a compressor from autozone and rentan impact wrench and a air ratchet

 

I thought about it, but i can barely fit a hand and a wrench in there to have working room.

 

you gat an extention. believe me with an impact the bolts will come off in a second. and what happenes if the bolts get stuck in your manifold?

 

how would that happen, it would have to go through the CAT, besides they are on the outside of the CAT. I might give the air compressor thing a try b/c ive been wanting to get one, so now is a good time to.

 

no if you torch the bolts off ot break them off what happens if they get stuck in you manifld. (broken that is)

 

that happened when i replaced the exhaust on my mustang
just use lots of wd40 and if you have a floor jack, used the handle and put it over the socket wrench to get more leverage w/extentions of course
At least it worked for me.