Side Pipe Hanger Bracket

[dpariso]

I'm replacing the side pipes on my MK3. I noticed the bracket hanger weld on the sidepipe are broken. I searched the fourm and most of the converations are several years old (8-10yrs). Im wonderining if the sugestion of not bolting the hannger to the frame is still a good idea?
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[Cobradavid]

My 9 1/2 year old Mk 3.1 has close to 13k miles on it and the hanger bracket tabs on the side pipes are still solid. I bolted the hangers to the frame, per the build manual. But I used just one bolt to connect the hanger to the side pipe, not the two bolts as designed.

David

[wareaglescott]

I also did one bolt to allow a little play.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I've been preaching and using the one bolt method for years...never had a tab failure.

Jeff

[CraigS]

When you guys do the single bolt do you use a locking nut and not tighten it fully?

[Jeff Kleiner]

When you guys do the single bolt do you use a locking nut and not tighten it fully?

Yes, snug but not clamping hard.

Jeff

[Cobradavid]

^ Yep, what Jeff said.

[cgundermann]

Right, wrong or indifferent - I “snug” one on each side (opposite; top & bottom on opposing sides) and then leave the other ones loose with lock nuts. I did, however - modify my strap mounting to frame assembly for less rigidity. So far so good, but I’m running J-pipes (seem to fail less).

Chris

[DavidW]

I've been preaching and using the one bolt method for years...never had a tab failure.

Jeff

I was under the impression the rubber exhaust hanger takes all the abuse, isn't the rubber hanger enough security to eliminate cracking the tab on the exhaust....why only one bolt? Another owner suggested one bolt to me at cars n coffee in Annapolis also?? I guess I'll be finding out the hard way.

[Driver_WT]

Yes, snug but not clamping hard.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Do you use the one bolt in the top or bottom hole on the side pipe?

Thanks.

Wade

[Jeff Kleiner]

I was under the impression the rubber exhaust hanger takes all the abuse, isn't the rubber hanger enough security to eliminate cracking the tab on the exhaust....why only one bolt? Another owner suggested one bolt to me at cars n coffee in Annapolis also?? I guess I'll be finding out the hard way.

Because with two bolts in place any movement introduces a torquing motion to the mounting tab that is welded to the sidepipe which often leads to a fracture of the metal around it, especially the more brittle stainless pipes. With just one bolt installed and only snugged the weight of the pipes is supported but the tab isn't getting twisted.


Hi Jeff,

Do you use the one bolt in the top or bottom hole on the side pipe?

Thanks.

Wade

I can't see any functional difference but generally put the bolt in the top simply because the top hole is visible from above and the bottom one isn't---if you look down on it and don't see a bolt in the top hole it appears that something fell out! :)

Jeff

[dpariso]

Im getting ready to have the 02 senser bungs welded on my new stainless pipes. I dont have an issue marking the hole (same loaction as my old one in the pic below) but my concern is showing the welder the 02 sensor angle. Im strugging with getting a jig together or some type of way to show the welder the angle it needs to be. Ideas?
101150

[Jeff Kleiner]

Take him the old pipe and say "Here's your pattern" :)

Jeff