Technical Exhaust front clamps replacement

[scottytwee]

Hello all,

I am in the process of replacing the front exhaust hanger mount clamp which has broke (pictures attached) on our 2011 1.2 500 (Clamp P/N: 51816520) which I already have however now that I'm thinking of fitting it I have realised that the only way to get it on is to separate the exhaust somewhere and slide it on. I can't seem to get it open enough to push on. I'm assuming the best place to separate the exhaust is by the joint next to it which has a clamp. However as it looks very rusty I'll probably need to replace it aswell. Does anyone know what the P/N is for the clamp?

 

[John202020]

Leave the exhaust alone unless replacing, I overcame the issue using a exhaust clamp instead with a bridging section heat the bolt in the bracket to remove it if it's seized which it probably is, I removed the bracket to do this

 

[jrkitching]

I've recently replaced one of these support brackets using an OEM part. It takes a little force and suitable tools (I used a couple of g clamps and a large tyre lever), but it can be opened up sufficiently to fit with the exhaust in situ. Heating up the new bracket first may help. Another application of the G clamp will close it sufficiently to replace the bolt, and tightening the bolt will do the rest.

If there's sufficient corrosion down there to warrant replacing the bracket, I doubt you'll be able to separate the exhaust components and successfully refit them.

And for anyone else reading this, it's common for these brackets to rust away, leaving the front of the exhaust and the manicat unsupported. What then happens is that the manicat fractures, leaving you with a large repair bill. It's worth replacing these brackets at the first sign of serious corrosion.

Note also that the OEM centre pipe and backbox both have integral pipe clamps, which often rust away and may disappear completely. If this happens, the corrosion normally is sufficient to securely hold the sections together, but if it bothers you (or your MOT tester), just replace with suitably-sized U clamps (usually available from Halfords off-the shelf for less than £2). And if the centre flexible part fails, you can buy stainless aftermarket replacement flexible pieces, which can also be secured uising a couple of U clamps.

 

[scottytwee]

I've recently replaced one of these support brackets using an OEM part. It takes a little force and suitable tools (I used a couple of g clamps and a large tyre lever), but it can be opened up sufficiently to fit with the exhaust in situ. Heating up the new bracket first may help. Another application of the G clamp will close it sufficiently to replace the bolt, and tightening the bolt will do the rest.

If there's sufficient corrosion down there to warrant replacing the bracket, I doubt you'll be able to separate the exhaust components and successfully refit them.

And for anyone else reading this, it's common for these brackets to rust away, leaving the front of the exhaust and the manicat unsupported. What then happens is that the manicat fractures, leaving you with a large repair bill. It's worth replacing these brackets at the first sign of serious corrosion.

Note also that the OEM centre pipe and backbox both have integral pipe clamps, which often rust away and may disappear completely. If this happens, the corrosion normally is sufficient to securely hold the sections together, but if it bothers you (or your MOT tester), just replace with suitably-sized U clamps (usually available from Halfords off-the shelf for less than £2). And if the centre flexible part fails, you can buy stainless aftermarket replacement flexible pieces, which can also be secured uising a couple of U clamps.

Thank you, I shall try and get the clamp on without separating the exhaust system

 

[John202020]

Some one did post the part number for the oem clamp at the time I replaced ours the clamp wasn't available from fiat

 

[koalar]

Brutally force it open don’t worry about it going out of shape

When you pull it back up around the pipe it will regain its shape

Don’t mess with the exhaust unless you have to.

 

[jrkitching]

Some one did post the part number for the oem clamp at the time I replaced ours the clamp wasn't available from fiat

OEM part number 51816520.

Buyable on ebay but the price keeps going up (a lot!). I paid £12.50 for one from this very same supplier in Aug 2022. Mine arrived next day (but there wasn't a postal strike then).