Exhaust Replacement - Rusted Bolts/Fittings

Hello,

I purchased the TRD exhaust for my TRDOR 2017 MT. The current fittings are in rough shape. I bought the truck used, so since my purchase, I have tried to keep everything clean and rust-free (I live in the northeast). Although there is little to no rust anywhere on the vehicle's underside, the fitting below has rust.



I'm guessing for removal, I would steel brush it, and use PB blaster to get the bolts out as clean as possible. I would obviously need new hardware when installing the new exhaust. I looked on Toyota to get a part # for the bolts, nuts, etc. However, if they are just going to keep rusting, should I get hardware elsewhere? Does anyone have experience with this?

Below is the diagram.
If I use the OEM hardware... I'm assuming i would need these... Please correct me if I'm wrong.
https://parts.prestigetoyota.com/p/69368594/90177a0004.html
https://parts.prestigetoyota.com/p/72020072/90105a0369.html




Thanks, any insight is appreciated.

 

Would an impact gun get them out?

 

Not sure yet, haven't tried to get them out. I was more concerned about getting replacement hardware before I got them out. I'm guessing that, some sockets and pb blaster should get them out. Just want to make sure i have the right fittings so after I take them out im not screwed.

 

Living Canada, this type of rust on exhaust systems is the norm. Mechanics simply use a torch, cut off the rusted bolts and replace them with standard zinc plated fasteners. They source the fasteners from local suppliers or Home Depot, Lowes not from the dealer.

 

Sounds good, guess I will try to match up the bolts to what I pull out, or is there info on the exact size?

 

Use stainless steel or silicon bronze hardware and you won't have to worry about rust anymore.

 

any idea on size? Contacted local parts dept at toyota and they had no clue, said they would "get back to me". usually, i would take the bolt/nut off and match it up at the hardware store, but with the rust idk if i will get an accurate matchup.

 

this is a exhaust nut and bolt..... don't make it harder then it has to be.... get it out somehow. its not that rusty. pound a socket on it then undo it. go to fastenall or the sort. if you want stainless bolts get stainless bolts that fit in the hole and are long enough. how often do you plan on taking your exhaust off that you need the bolts to be easy to change?

 

Can you cut them off with a cutoff wheel on a grinder? Have someone stand by watching for fires!

 

My issue isnt really taking them out, not worried about that, rather getting the right size replacement bolt. I did not want the toyota hardware as they will re rust, but if size really isn't a big deal then i will try to match it as best i can with a stainless steel bolt/nut. Just didnt want the system to fail because of something dumb like using a wrong nut/bolt combo...

 

If you go back with a stainless nut and bolt, put some kind of anti-seeze on the threads or they will gall together when tightened then break or get stuck if you try to take them apart. Don't ask how I know

 

I had the same issue. Cut them out with a grinder and went to home depot for new hardware. No need to overthink the hardware, just get something that has locking nuts or split lock washers

 

perfect, Toyota parts center near me found the correct bolt and nut, its $7, going to get it and use it as a reference to buy a new stainless bolt/nut set. thanks for the advice everyone. I can also share the correct bolt nut size too when I get the new set because Toyota had no idea about size.

 

Keep us posted! You really all the way up in Antarctica?

 

Antarctica is down.

 

Lol! Geography wasnt my strong suit obviously

 

Shipping cheaper going south?

 

Just to chime in - I'm in San Antonio, TX (2017 TRD OR) and my exhaust bolts look exactly the same. No salted roads here and my truck is kept pretty clean.

 

You can cut these off as suggested previously but I would get new hardware from Toyota. Stainless steel is not as strong as the mild steel hardware that Toyota used. When assembling use an antisieze compound and liberally coat it. Nickel or copper based are good for high temperature. You can also coat the bolt after assembly to help fight corrosion. The flange is going to rust. Not much can be done about that.

 

good info, i bought the toyota bolts.