E34 Exhaust Removal (stuck?)

[isosceles]

In an attempt to change my center support bearing and rubber on my '94 540, I've started by trying to remove the exhaust system.

I removed the 2 bolts per pipe, disconnected the O2 sensors, and disconnected the hanger/clamps by the back of the tranny.

Why can't I get the pipes to separate from the manifolds? I've had a big pry bar under there, soaked it down with PB Blaster, tried it hot and tried it cold and they STILL won't budge ghead

Any techniques you can share would be appreciated.

Mark

[numberthree_]

are you sure its only 2 bolts per pipe??

[Arjan e28 535i]

Did you remove the two small brackets (halfway between the O2 sensors and manifolds) as well?

[isosceles]

Originally posted by Arjan e28 535i@Feb 13 2005, 02:04 AM
Did you remove the two small brackets (halfway between the O2 sensors and manifolds) as well?

[snapback]290877[/snapback]

Number3, that's all I see per pipe, and all that shows in the Bently manual. It has a rounded diamond shaped flange with bolt holes at the 2 points, unlike a triangular 3 bolt flange. I'd double check though.

Arjan, I might have missed those. used I removed the clamp/hangers near the rear of the tranny, but those are close. Now that I examine the diagram a little closer, I see the ones you are referring to, and I don't remember taking those off.

Thank you both for your suggestions!


Edit: Turns out I had all the brackets removed. I went out this morning and the left side had come down and the right side needed a little more persuading with a breaker bar. Now I need to get some bigger combo wrenches. Those bolts at the front of the driveshaft are big. At least my diagnosis was correct. The metal bracket that surrounds the rubber for the center support is broken. My Bently manual says to drop the whole drive shaft to replace it. If anyone knows of a shortcut, I'd welcome the info.