Finished TBE install...couple of q's/problems

[sovietjet]

Hey I just finished installing a TBE with a friend but we ended up with a couple of problems that we just left to fix in a couple of days maybe a week.

1) The downpipe to catback connection has these spring bolts and we couldnt tighten them strong enough using the gasket because we couldnt compress the spring. Ended up putting that part on without a gasket so there is a leak(for now). Anyone have any advice on how to get this to work?

2) The 02 sensor WOULDNT BUDGE it was caked on there with rust we tried everything WD-40, Liquid Wrench, vice grips, torch, socket wrench absolutely everything and we risked stripping it and couldnt get if off. We ended up cutting the wires and have the new DP on there with the mech CEL fix plugged with a screw and nut. I am planning on somehow taking that O2 sensor off later and redoing the wires. Would it work?

Another possibility is to take it to some shop and ask them to do the above. I imagine with their lift and air tools it wouldnt take more than 20 minutes? How much do you think a shop would charge to put in a gasket and unscrew the O2 sensor(I'll put it in the new downpipe myself I just need it off the old one)?

And finally, how bad is an exhaust leak for my car? Would it hurt anything if I have in like this for a week or so? Thanks everyone.

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[tuskenraider]

1. If both sides use the donut style gasket, fully compressing the springs should allow you to get the bolt and nut threaded. So......try harder.

2. Try getting some PB Blaster and spray liberally. Try taking it off the next day. Matter of fact, maybe the Liquid Wrench has penetrated further and the sensor might come off.

Half hour labor for doing what you need done seems fair. The exhaust leak won't hurt anything.

[sovietjet]

I'll give it a shot again today. What shop can I take this to? A Midas? Sears? Jiffy Lube lol? It's simple work I assume anyone can do it?

[waktasz]

Just don't use the springs, or go to home depot and get some different bolts that are longer and allow you to thread the nut on there more easily.

[sizzflair]

Originally Posted by waktasz

Just don't use the springs, or go to home depot and get some different bolts that are longer and allow you to thread the nut on there more easily.

+1 I'm going to do that.

My bolts weren't long enough to stick out to bolt it on when using the springs. I ended up not using a casket and not using the spring, but a ghetto, big washer... it works but i'm pretty sure it's leaking

[pdxsilverwrx]

Are you using a flat gasket or the factory style doughnut gasket? If you are using a flat gasket just go get some properly sized bolts and new nuts and washers for them as you no longer need the springs anyway.

[sovietjet]

I ordered the gaskets from subarugenuineparts.com I think they are flat. What is the difference?

[ScoobySnacker]

I cut the springs with a cut-off tool. Made it alot easier and no leaks.

[pdxsilverwrx]

The doughnut gasket looks a bit like a doughnut and makes a flex joint. That is why the springs are there. Most of the aftermarket downpipes that I have seen use a flat gasket. They have no provision for the factory doughtnut. If that is what you have just go buy some bolts, nuts, and washers and be done with it.

[Sky92x]

I just did this last night... The sprigns are a bit of a pain, but if you place your palm at once side, and fingers to eitehr side o where the bolt pokes out, and compress by hand, it should expose enough thread to easily finger tighten the nut at the end fairly well.

[dj_booduh]

the TXS TBE has a doughnut gasket, and the stock spring bolts worked just fine, and I had no trouble with them at all.

On that note I had a question as well. While I was installing my TBE I stripped one of the nuts on the bottom of the turbo. I tried everything, but ended up using a cutting tool to take it off. Then I was trying to put a nut back on it, and the nut would go in, so I tried cleaning the threading, but that didn't work either so I just used 4 of the 5. Is this ok or am I gonna get exhaust leaks? anyone know how to fix this if I am gonna get leaks? Please let me know. Thanks.

[sizzflair]

^I had that happened to and cut it off. Replaced with a different bolt & nut. It's fine

[wrx2k4blue]

Those springs seem pointless anyway considering how tight the bolts are...but I could be wrong (and they may have a reason to be there). For me, I compressed the hell out of them with a good amount of muscle and was able to tighten the bolts

[dj_booduh]

Originally Posted by sizzflair

^I had that happened to and cut it off. Replaced with a different bolt & nut. It's fine

No I mean the two stud bolts at the bottom, the ones that you can't remove. I stripped the bolt on one of them. I don't think you can replace those. Anyone know how to remedy this? Or if it's gonna be a problem at all?

[sovietjet]

Does anyone know where I can get some bolts to replace those ones that go with the spring? Home Depot and Sears dont have metric....

[shane86]

Originally Posted by sovietjet

Does anyone know where I can get some bolts to replace those ones that go with the spring? Home Depot and Sears dont have metric....

Autoparts Store.
any good one will have a decent bolt selection.

[subaru222]

same thing happen to me on my 03 wrx