I'm having the hardest time trying to reach the two bolts for the headers heatshield! i've tried everything that I have here in my mini garage. Speed wrench, the shoulder joint so i can come in at a different angle, regular sockets, regular wrenches, nothing is working! seems my hand is too big to get to it. I even had a looksy underneath the car to see if i could get it.

How did you get your heatshields off? My patience is reaaalllllly thin right about now

 

Have you tried to get it from underneath the car? It's tight, but you can get to it.

 

yeah I tried going underneath. Maybe my socket wrench is too big. I guess I could try it again from underneath. This sounds bad, can't even get the stupid heatshield off. GRRR!

 

Find someone with smaller hands? Are you talking about the upper or lower bolts? I got both sets from the top side with a regular ratchet. I did have to kneel on the engine to do it, and I have the Redline struts so the hood goes up more and the stick isn't in the way. Is it rusted? If so, try WD-40, 3-in-1 oil or Marvel Mystery Oil, any penetrating oil will do.

 

Get that thing (the box) as far up as possible, and get from underneath. I think I got mine from the top, I have a huge assortmant of access tools though.

 

if you think the heat shield is bad wait until you have to remove the bolts holding the header to the cat. Use an 18" extension with a 1/2" coupler, not the 3/8" on most sockets. Also use a 24" breaker bar instead of a regular ratchet, you will need the extra torque to get it going. It is only accessable from under the vehicle, and be careful not to damage the O2 sensor on the driver's side of the pipe, the extension will sit next to it.

 

I'm talking about the lower bolts. They're just at such a weird angle and it feels like I have no room to get to it from the top or bottom. I wonder how much Meineke will charge if I take it up there and have them do it..Cause this is BS! Maybe i'll just wait till someone tiny comes over.

 

You have a nice extension on there?
Another option is removing the wiper cowl... that will give you some more clearance.

 

yeah i tried it with a 10" extension on there and nothing, extension and a "shoulder socket" (dont know what its called but it lets you move in any angle) and i still can't get it. i give up for today, still recouping from sunburn and its hot as a mother out there.

 

was your heat sheild defective?

 

I used 1/4 inch drive ratchet with swivel and long extention and got them loose that way and did the rest by hand.

 

No sir, i think it's the "mechanic" (me) thats defective. Its just a serious pain in the ___ to get!

 

if it isnt broke..why are you fixing it?

putting a new header in or something?

 

lol as long as i can reach those, i'll be fine! I have everything I need to get it done, just those 2 bolts are going to be the death of me!

 

yup, got new headers in

 

follow this mans advice

 

From underneath I used my 1/2" impact gun, long extention and socket. It was a straight shot for both bolts.

 

Woo! Got the heatshield and new headers on. Wasn't that bad once I got the shield off, it was like I just overcame writers block or something! The method I used to get the two heatshield bolts off was to use a pairing of a 6" and 10" extension. For some reason, it worked! The 2 spring loaded bolts weren't that bad to get off really, well sorta. I was able to get the first one off using a pipe i had from an extra floor jack that wasn't being used. The other bolt, the one next to the O2 sensor was a little more difficult, mostly because I was at the wrong angle but as soon as I got the right angle, it came off easy! I had a little issues getting the donut gasket to fit over the new headers, but I got it eventually. Everything else was smooth sailing after that!

Now its time for my lowering springs. I read the tech and it says I don't need the spring compressor, but I've got people telling me I do need it, even though they haven't worked on the xB. What're your thoughts?

 

Just borrow them from autozone. It's FREE. You pay a security depost then get it back when you return the compressors. You only need them when taking them apart. It makes sure the threads on the strut do not get messed up during disassembly.

 

If you are by yourself i would get a spring compressor. If you have a buddy to help you you could have them push down on the spring when you put the nut on.