**06 R53**

im replacing my starter and after wrestling for hours finally got the old one out. the Haynes manual i have called for removing the header, which looking back now would give me much better access and make the re install of the new one a breeze. so i got under the car with some WD-40,my breaker bar and a rubber mallet. there really wasnt enough space for me to use the mallet but i could not get the bolts on the flange loose. so i moved to the manifold thinking it i removed that i could at least be able to move it a little bit. one bolt went fine. i went to get one of the lower bolts, i could not get the socket flat on the bolt, and it wouldnt budge using my normal ratchet wrench.

Does anyone have any tricks or tips for freeing these bolts up, or places where i can get better access to them

 

You might find it easier to drop the sub-frame, and get to the starter from working under the car. Its a lot easier than it looks. However if you live in a snow or beach region, salt corrosion could make the sub frame a challenge when it comes to dropping the outer ball joints. If you go the sub-frame route, try removing the outer ball joints before you go to the trouble of undoing anything else.

If go the header route have new manifold gaskets ready and take care not to stress the flex joint in front of the CAT. The weld breaks easily at the CAT.

Good luck

 

I have seen my mechanic hold a blow torch on the bolts for a moment or so, he says it works.