Steering linkage bolt catching bad on new header

[Johnner]

Hi everyone,

I just installed OBX long tube headers in my 01 WS6, everything went together really good. However, the upper steering linkage bolt is catching and rubbing dead-center on the cylinder 5 exhaust header pipe. I replaced the bolt with one that had a smaller head and the threads didn't stick out the underside of the linkage, but it still catches and effects the steering badly as it sticks around harder left/right turns.

Does anyone have any ideas on the best way to handle this problem? Can the linkage be adjusted up or down as to move that bolt head slightly out of the way? Things I'm considering at this point are to try to dent the header pipe in a bit somehow right where it's catching, or to grind the bolt head down somewhat and also remove the linkage and grind down the underside of where the bolt threads through (I noticed it bulges out right there and it's also catching.)

Any ideas greatly appreciated. Thanks! John

[pajeff02]

Dimpling the header is a tried and true fix -- not the greatest thing to do to a new set of pipes, but sometimes it is the only way to make them fit. On the other hand, if you are still running stock engine mounts they are probably sagging. A set of poly mounts may give you the clearance you need to avoid the hammer treatment.

[Johnner]

Thanks that's what I'm thinking, going to see if I can dimple it without taking it back off the car which is going to be tricky. I did not replace the engine mounts, I was going to but when I got under there from what I could see of them they looked ok but I'm wondering if I made a mistake by not replacing them right away. Thanks again.

[SMWS6TA]

I'd do the mounts first before using a BFH on the new tubes.