I'm replacing the driveshaft soon and need to drop the exhaust. Looks like one of the exhaust sleeves (cat to rear pipe) is original and totally rusted onto the mating surfaces.

A reciprocating saw might work in removing the clamp, but I'm not sure if there is room to maneuver with the blade or if I'll damage the cat pipe.

Any ideas?

 

I would just douche it with PB Blaster and then take an impact to the bolts. They'll either break loose or snap off, and either way will let you get the clamp off. To replace them you can either order new ones from Audi ($30+ a piece) or pick up some universal ones from Autozone.

 

Honestly, just use the sawzall and cut the bolts, then just buy new stainless steels nuts and bolts. The actual clamps themselves will move around free of the exhaust with proper motivation from a hammer, once the bolts are cut loose. Thats what I did

 

Thanks sounds like less of a mission than I thought.