I am going to attempt to replace my exhaust manifold on my 06 auto. Any tips or tricks for doing this? I heard the coolant pipe is a pain to deal with. Is this true? If so should I remove the pipe or can it be moved out of the way. Looking for the least amount of downtime possible as I need to get the truck back on the road as soon as possible.

 

Cut the bracket it will make your life that much easier. Other then that not too bad a job to do.

 

Are you talking about the bracket that is secured on one of the exhaust manifold studs or a different one?

 

The one at rear bottom of exhaust, I have bent it to remove bolt but cutting with die grinder and cut off wheel is easier. This bracket in my opinion is not necessary I cut it and remove it. The bolts at rear also have bolt retainers which should be installed since it prevents rear bolts from loosening which they will do if the retainer is not installed.

 

I definitely over estimated this repair guys. I cut the coolant hose bracket and the rest is pretty straight forward. I went to loosen the manifold bolts while the motor was warm and ended up just removing the manifold and turbo lol. Thanks guys

 

I agree.. Cut the heater hose metal support bracket.
About 1/2 way from the exhaust manifold and to where the bracket turns up.

However I do think keeping that bracket is a good idea.
I've seen most dealerships and guys weld the bracket back together when everything is re-assembled.

What I did was to drill the bracket and add a small piece of metal and then bolt it back together. Paint it all black.

This way, I can easily unbolt/rebolt the bracket if I ever need to take it off again.



Yep, single turbo and ex manifold out in one piece is the easiest IMO.

While I have an aftermarket exhaust manifold, I kept the stock ex manifold bolts and cylindrical spacers.
I did not reuse the ex manifold bolt retainers. I just check the bolts as part of routine maintenance.