I need to take the complete exhaust system off my Softail.
The exhaust flange studs have some rust on them. So I was wondering what you guys use to loosen the rust so the flange nuts come off smoothly?
I was thinking of using either Liquid Wrench or WD40.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

PB Blaster is the best thing I've found for rusted nuts/bolts. Just about any auto parts store carries it.
http://autorepair.about.com/od/tools/fr/PB-REVIEW.htm

Dan

 

Yeah, that will work but I prefer vodka on the rocks with a splash of water.

Sorry OP. Usually try to be helpful but couldn't help myself. Hence I agree with PB Blaster. Liquid wrench may work but WD 40, forget about it....

 

The trick to PB blaster is to let it soak and have time to do its thing before trying to turn the exhaust nuts. The can will explain

 

In addition to using penetrating oil, when you start loosening the rusty nuts, I work the nuts slowly, alternating between loosening and tightening, a little at a time while applying additional oil.

 

^^ What 2AMGuy said about loosen/tighten. A little bit each way at a time, and a liberal reapply of oil will help. Once you get the nuts and flanges off, it would help to chase the threads, and knock off all the rust. PB Blaster and Kroil are both excellent resources for this specific task. But use lots of it. You don't want the hassle of breaking these studs.

 

Kroll oil is the best penetrant. I learned about it on HDF.
http://www.kanolabs.com/google/

 

PB Blaster will work every time, at least that is what
I'm going to use this morning about 10:00

 

loctite makes something called freeze off or out ,something like that. i've got a can out in the garage. this stuff has saved me twice on things i thought noway was coming apart. it's like freon and penatrating oil combined. kroil and pb blaster is good stuff too.

 

When you try to loosen those nuts, be sure to apply the torque evenly and do not pull the socket to one side, because those studs break easily.