Exhaust U-Bolt Clamp Torque Spec

[boboh1]

What would be a good torque spec be to tighten the U-Bolt clamps when putting together an exhaust system? Thanks.

 

[R413]

What size are they? 5/16 or 3/8? You can use general torque spec by thread size.

Ot just tighten the hell out of it.

 

[boboh1]

The bolt itself is a 9/16. I was thinking like 30 ft/lbs or so

 

[eldubb440]

The bolt itself is a 9/16. I was thinking like 30 ft/lbs or so

the socket for the nut is 9/16....... the bolt is 3/8

 

[dadsbee]

Just before they snap...

 

[boboh1]

Thanks for that. 3/8 bolt size.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

Just before they snap...

That sounds about right.

 

[Jerry Hall]

No need for torque specs here, tighten until the mufflers and pipes don't move. If you have an exhaust leak you tighten some more.

 

[Don Frelier]

No need for torque specs here, tighten until the mufflers and pipes don't move. If you have an exhaust leak you tighten some more.

I agree.
When possible I prefer stepped band clamps but you need to get good quality clamps.
With band clamps you can take it apart and reassemble without cutting up the muffler or pipes.

 

[boboh1]

Sounds good thanks.

 

[WileE]

I've always used the "just enough, and if it ain't enough, a liitle more" method on exhaust.

 

[Unkle Krusty]

I just did mine. Really tight. When I get the 318 fired I will check for leaks.

 

[1967coronet]

You want to dimple the pipe enough you cuss yourself when trying to take it apart.

 

[Cranky]

I like to tighten them up just enough to keep them from slipping. I like to run straights and have to throw mufflers on for the yearly state inspection so my exhaust system needs to be 'serviceable' and that means it needs to be able to pull it apart. But finally Texas doesn't safety inspect cars anymore and don't have to worry about doing that now. Band clamps is a better alternative to regular muffler clamps and better yet, tack weld it a couple of spots to make sure nothing slips etc. Just put the tacks where you can easily get to them if and when you need to take it apart. Also, I used to experiment with different mufflers so it was imperative that my system came apart easily.

 

[kiwigtx]

Just before they snap...

Rule of thumb is a half turn past stripping the thread.

I honestly thought this was a KernDog thread......

 

[toolmanmike]

Tighten it up until it breaks and back it off a full turn!