Ram 1500 Exhaust Manifold Broken Bolt Replacement

Quick video showing how to remove and replace the broken exhaust manifold bolts on a 2012+ Ram 1500 Hemi 5.7L. Best process is a nut and a welder! Why risk damage to your head trying to drill out the bolt. I have included some of my links to the bolts and gaskets.
FEL-PRO MS 97083 Exhaust Manifold Gasket Set:
amzn.to/3p3tuSH
Exhaust Manifold Hardware Kit:
amzn.to/3LnT2BM
#hemibolts #ram1500 #manifoldbolts

[@Hetfield47]

One of my coworkers has this issue currently. They were going to charge him 1400 to do this. Which is fucking nuts! This video is a huge help! Thanks for the upload! You rock!

[@DavesBuild]

It is nuts! If you have everything ready to go it's fairly quick to do as well. Thank you for commenting and tell your coworker to fix that loud mess! Lol Thanks again!

[@brianrhodes3636]

I paid 1400.

[@MrDrocballer]

Dang…I only charged my customer 400

[@potatoburger9659]

That much for a 30 minute job?😂😂😂

[@oneoffartist]

@@potatoburger9659 no... that much for the experience and knowledge to MAKE it a 30 minute job. mine is currently sitting in a driveway for three weeks... im waiting on a right angle drill that cost me 300$ anyway. it can be done in 30 mins, but only if someone has already put alot of time, AND alot of money into being able to do it that quickly. i even tried welding... didnt work. sometimes, the bolts arent this easy. that yellow loctite is a BASTARD to get out of a 2008 ram, let me tell you. ive resorted to drilling out the 8/9 bolts that BROKE and retapping, helicoiling and installing new bolts in the holes. comments like yours are annoying, in all honesty. as a 20+ year tradesmen, ive seen COUNTLESS fools who think this way, pay four times what they would have on the "high" estimate, because they went for the guy who THOUGHT itd be easy and had to jerry rig it. then the next guy said fuck that, not worth it unless im paid to reverse the work thats already been done, as well. look at it as an adult with a bit of a wrinkly brain and youll understand it better.

[@leelee4217]

Bro, People always said “oh you have to drill for he screws out” When I saw the welding the screw to the bolt,,,,,genius! Thank You, Sal

[@DavesBuild]

Thank you! I wish I could take credit for it but my dad is the genius on this one.

[@leelee4217]

@@DavesBuild God Bless Dads My Friend , God Bless Them!

[@Jeffrey_Hemi]

I just had the bolts replaced on my 2017 ram express 5.7 L..... Truck we’re still under factory warranty Thank God...... Four bolts on the passenger side and three bolts on the driver side were broken...... The dealer replaced all of them Because of the warranty I only had to pay $100 for the deductible on the warranty.... The repair would’ve been $1400 at the dealership ....... The factory was using very cheap steel bolts that can’t take the heat and stress from the engine..... They put level 10 graded steel bolts on hemi’s now..... My dealer told me any hemi built before 2017 Is gonna need the manifold bolts replaced.

[@jakemason9436]

Yes. There are two types of replacement bolts from the dealer. Beware! You can still order the original factory bolts for about a dollar each. The upgraded are about $5 each and have a white dot on the stud end. Sneaky.

[@Jeffrey_Hemi]

@@jakemason9436 wow! I thanks for the info👍🔥🔥

[@billevans2312]

I would like to have that part number for the upgraded bolta

[@Jeffrey_Hemi]

@@billevans2312 What year is your truck?

[@billevans2312]

@@Jeffrey_Hemi 2015 with 76000 miles

[@thomastedder1696]

Great video. I was planning on taking mine to a shop but especially after watching this I think I could handle it.

[@Kevin-ii6eh]

Thank you so much for the informational video. I had a bolt that was broken and I was able to perform the same welding trick you did which saved me so much time and frustration! Worked like a charm. Thankfully, when I set my manifold down on a level, flat surface it touched all the way across and was 100% straight so I didn't replace it since it seems good. Hopefully all new bolts will do the trick. Thanks again!

[@DavesBuild]

Glad it worked out for you Kevin! I try to do these videos to help out whoever I can when I have the time. I am about to replace my front axel actuator here pretty soon, as I currently have no 4wd. I will probably do a short video on it as well. Thanks again for the comment!

[@reymundobenavidez2955]

Make sure yall get these manifolds strait edged and milled down before reinstalling, the fix wont last more than a few months if the manifolds are warped and ive never seen one of these manifolds that didnt warp a little.

[@bogieman101]

Have you ever heard of a manifold that had been trued up after warping, warp and snap bolts again?

[@nicksoto4208]

Where can you have that done?

[@VR-6242]

Excuse me I got two broken bolts in my 17 big horn where did you clamp your welding ground to? And did you disconnect anything prior to welding?

[@DavesBuild]

@@VR-6242 I clamped to a stud on the engine. I did not disconnect anything.

[@zacharyesplin9292]

good vid got right to the point thank you sir

[@DavesBuild]

Thank you for watching!

[@robeggers8465]

Looks like a pretty easy job.... except I don't have a welder and I also have a broken bolt. Do you think I could get it out with an easy out?

[@jakemason9436]

Did my 2016 with a drill and easy out. Back passenger bolt broken flush with head. Patience. Quality drill bits. Slow drilling. Comes out of the aluminum relatively easily

[@jakemason9436]

Did my 2016 with a drill and easy out. Back passenger side upper bolt broken off flush. Patience. slow drilling. Good quality drill bits. No problem.

[@jimc-w9312]

Help! My mechanic just replaced my Hemi manifold gaskets and had to skim both maifold and did out broken bolds. Took 32 hours and charged my £1900. Does this sound excessive?

[@nicksoto4208]

I googled it for a 2009 dodge Ram and it said 2 hours.

[@bryanmcgovern7858]

Yeah ,excessive 😢

[@jaimezapien4897]

Wait u gonna put them exhaust back on...don't they usually warp

[@DavesBuild]

It's possible, so you would definitely want to check that before reinstalling, along with checking for cracks. In my case mine was still nice and flat and crack free. Still going strong with no issues! Thanks for your comment Jaime.

[@emmanuelluna4590]

On the top left, is theres two holes for bolts but only one is used. Is the right? I was confused when I was looking at mine. Trying to get as much information before I go ahead and replace the manifold.

[@theragingmonarch176]

What can this do to your truck if not fixed?

[@DavesBuild]

Can cause a burnt valve and/or allow Carbon monoxide into the cab of the truck.

[@rcrc5260]

I was fixing mine in the same side then realized the previous owner drilled way too far and it started leaking antifreeze when I removed the broken bolt, how can I fix that ?

[@barrybebenek8691]

Perfect vid of how to do this. Question: where do I clamp for my mig (block? Frame?). And do I need to disconnect the battery? Thanks 🇨🇦

[@DavesBuild]

I grounded to the engine block. I did not disconnect the battery but probably wouldn't be a bad idea. Lol

[@abdulsadiq6222]

Great video what was your setting on your welder and what kind of welder thanks

[@gilbertobernal8738]

What kind of welding machine is yours where can I buy some like yours?

[@ice_stormz_12]

im replacing mine now. I have a bolt that broke off inside the head, and its about 2-3 threads inside. any tips on how to get it out???????? please anything!!!!1 the same exact bolt broke on mine but I don't have a welding machine

[@DavesBuild]

You could use a small drill bit and drill into the bolt a little and use an "easy out" on it. Should have enough room there. Just be careful not to damage the threads.

[@ice_stormz_12]

@@DavesBuild lets say for shits and giggle if I do damage the threads..... can I rethread it and be okay? I never done something like that and just wanna be careful

[@ice_stormz_12]

@@DavesBuild I tried drilling it out, the bit started walking.......stopped and put it back together. :/

[@DavesBuild]

You could use a punch and dimple the middle of the stud to center the drill bit.

[@ice_stormz_12]

@@DavesBuild none of my local stores have them in stock…. I ordered one off of Amazon, should be here in a few days

[@samjohnson9761]

Hey thanks for the video! Where did you ground to??

[@DavesBuild]

Thanks! I believe just a tab or bracket on the motor.

[@jameswilliams5428]

how can you prevent this from happening? 2014 ram hemi 86,000 miles no issues yet

[@DavesBuild]

I'd say your doing pretty good if you have made it that far. I don't really believe there is anything that can prevent it without changing the bolts out anyway.

[@jameswilliams5428]

@@DavesBuild is there a better bolt brand? i might just do this before it happens lol

[@DavesBuild]

@@jameswilliams5428 if I'm not mistaken Chrysler has a new bolt/part number for the bolts now. I can't remember exactly.

[@bryanmcgovern7858]

Use the dorman stainless steel hardware kit. Mopars bolts will just break again

[@JesusRomero-sw8le]

did you just replace the bolts and got new gasket?

[@wakeupcallproduction1547]

Great vid, thanks! I'm just shocked that Dodge and other GM trucks have this same crap beak all the time, pathetic!

[@matthewkenning]

Dave, I am getting ready to change out my bolts as well. Thanks so much for the informative video. I do have a question I thought you may be able to help me with. Do you need/replace a gasket at the y-pipe/collector joint? I'm seeing a metal and rubber gasket part listed for my 2014 ram 1500 but didn't hear you mention one.

[@DavesBuild]

The collector at the manifold has no gasket. It would help to do both sides at once instead of one side at a time like I did. It will give you more movement with the exhaust.

[@matthewkenning]

@@DavesBuild Never thought of that. Good point, thanks!

[@Brandos_mechanical]

The reason why they break is cause Chrysler was dumb and never put a flex pipe off manifold so it’s solid and the tension from exhaust brakes those bolts all the time. Put flex pipe in problem fixed

[@chasefulgham]

Hey if you don’t mind me asking what type of welder and brand are you using?

[@DavesBuild]

It is an Eastwood 140. It's pretty good but I feel you could get a higher end mig welder for a better price.

[@chasefulgham]

@@DavesBuild how’d you hook up the positive and negative to weld to the bolt?

[@DavesBuild]

I clamped the negative to one of the aluminum brackets on the front of the engine and your whip/stinger end is your positive.

[@chasefulgham]

@@DavesBuild Thanks I’m buying a mig later today I’ve tried using a stick welder but these dumb manifold holes are way to tiny for it😂. Thanks for the info! Your awesome 💪🏼

[@RickySlatton]

Was that a steel brush you were using to clean the manifold and heads? Can I ask where you got it from?

[@DavesBuild]

Harbour Freight it where that one came from.

[@danieljohnson9570]

Thank you

[@unratitoconalfredo8019]

Awesome thank you!

[@brianthompson7920]

Did you reuse the manifold?

[@DavesBuild]

Yes I did. Manifold was OK. No warping.

[@austin_94gt18]

I put evrything back together for my 5.7 and one of the broken bolts also stripped coming out. My damn luck.

[@gabrielbanuelos2209]

Link ?

[@navistars]

Hola from Argentina. My Ram 1500 made during 2020 (similar to the one you filmed), did not have that problem but it will I guess. I don’t know any Ram with out this problem. How many miles on the one you repaired ? Do you recommend to use same original bolts that usually brake or different ones?

[@abdulelkhatib2674]

I believe this is a possible issue on all 5.7 liter hemi v8 engines. Reusing the same bolt is probably not a good idea. I don't know what the proper upgrade would be.

[@gomerpyle7721]

@@abdulelkhatib2674BD diesel is offering an “upgraded” manifold- same dimensions as the OE and about the same price. They said it won’t warp or break bolts…we’ll see

[@abdulelkhatib2674]

@@gomerpyle7721 that would be awesome

[@gomerpyle7721]

@@abdulelkhatib2674 kzbin.info/www/bejne/amWYZ6FnqJydrc0si=Z0NuOg6g47_DwcSo

[@mattprince6858]

Is there a better replacement bolts? Thanks

[@DavesBuild]

Hey Matt, I do believe so. I only found out afterwards. The dealer supposedly carries both but the upgraded ones have a certain mark on the head of it. Probably better to reach out to your dealer to make sure, I can't really confirm if what I heard was fact or not.

[@bryanmcgovern7858]

Dorman offers the bolts in stainless steel. That's what I used.

[@jameslewis5]

What’s the probability of the bolts breaking? I can no doubt do the work but getting the broken bolts out would be the hardest part.

[@DavesBuild]

It's a real common issue. I would say it's probably going to happen at some point.

[@Lefishn]

Happens because block is aluminum and manifold is Steel so they heat and contract at different temps which snaps bolts. Especially if doing lots of towing which he's engine super hot and in winter climates where big swing in temps

[@navistars]

@@Lefishn it is plenty of vehicles with Alu block and main flood steal. The bolt issues happen on Hemi ! But not in other ones… 🤷🏼

[@billevans2312]

I owned 4 of these 1500s. My fourth one just snapped on passenger side. I’ve been towing a camper with this one. Not the other 3. I think you are onto something. Maybe the towing makes a difference

[@jesuslver15]

what did you use steel wire or aluminum wire to weld the 8mm bolts on? you rock btw, very freaking helpful!

[@DavesBuild]

Thanks Ricky! Steel wire to weld to the bolts.

[@jesuslver15]

@@DavesBuild thank you! I’ll be tackling this next weekend when I actually get a weekend off work ha

[@robertbryan7373]

why the hell wld u use aluminum wire...??? really

[@jesuslver15]

@@robertbryan7373 because things aren't always what you think, I've seen and delt with random crazy shit so I put aside my pride and ask the dumb shit so I don't run into dumb shit while I'm working on it.

[@jesuslver15]

Sorry one more question, what size welder did you use?

[@DavesBuild]

Any size should do the job. Preferably gas to keep the splatter down. I used a 140 mig.

[@jesuslver15]

@@DavesBuild thank you🍺

[@jesuslver15]

All I have is a cheap harbor freight welder, might take a few times ha

[@manuelkorivu3966]

Great!!!👍

[@youaintslick4208]

Hey Dave, I’m new to welding. I bought a cheap mig welder, is there anything I should know? Any tips? Do I have too connect the positive and negatives anywhere? Thanks In advance

[@jptenney8414]

Don't bother going to all this trouble if you don't get the manifold surfaced. The ones I have were warped almost 1/8 inch.

[@DavesBuild]

Had no issues at all after reinstalling. Some people have issues with that and some don't. Guess I'm a lucky one. I told myself if it happens again I'm going for headers next! 👍

[@jptenney8414]

@@DavesBuild When I set the manifold on a table and checked and found 1/8 inch warpage I found a local machine shop to surface it for $30.00. The truck has no rust and has 42000 miles. I am wondering if I didn't replace or resurface the manifold how long the bolt's would have lasted? Love your videos!

[@mclanegang1634]

So how long do those screws that hold the manifold in last ?

[@DavesBuild]

This last set I did is still going strong. Everyone is going to be different.

[@MrClockRocket]

I know you didn’t reinstall those warped manifolds. Man you didn’t even mill them down to make them true. That’s gonna break again real fast like that.

[@DavesBuild]

Been going strong since the video. 120+ miles a day for over a year. I checked em out pretty good before reinstalling. I had faith. Lol. Thank you for the input. If it happens again I'm throwing headers on it anyway!

[@MrClockRocket]

@@DavesBuild Heck yeah! I only made the comment because im looking at a 3000$ bill because my idiot mechanic changed the gaskets, tick was still there, so he tore the motor apart thinking the lifter were bad...well they werent, come to find out the manifold were warped all along. I cant get my truck back because I refuse to pay. Looking for an attorney now

[@chrisbarrera2843]

How long did this take you?

[@DavesBuild]

Around an hour to an hour and a half.

[@stephenmcgraw3610]

I did the passenger side its easier than the driver side

[@Italianborn]

There is no chance that going to weld you're gonna weld onto the treads ? It freaks me out a bit 🤣

[@jakemason9436]

Aluminum head. Dissapates the heat. Weld doesn't stick to it.

[@Lefishn]

Block is aluminum and bokt is steel so no worries about welding or damaging the block. Only way to damage is if welding on the outside of bolt and temp ws extremely extremely hot

[@jax467]

Jesus Christ these trucks are a disaster dodge needs to do something about this for a more permanent fix

[@DavesBuild]

Some people are having luck by switching over to headers I believe, I'm not going to, given I have 215k miles on mine.

[@jax467]

@@DavesBuild I just put diesel in my gas 1500 so I’ll be uploading that video soon, horrible trucks, just like Ford and their spark plugs that weld themselves inside the engine, never buying American ever again.

[@DavesBuild]

Oh no! That should be a fun job... 😭

[@jax467]

@@DavesBuild I have no choice to keep this truck dave please help if you can, I’m doing this job only on a 2014 ram 1500 3.6 V6 myself and the manifold is CONNECTED TO THE CYLINDER HEADS so if you have any advice knowledge please send a video of you know of one

[@jeradstorlie5685]

Why skip past all the parts that people actually struggle with?

[@DavesBuild]

Which parts are those? I don't know what other people struggle with. What part did you struggle with?

[@kanevivalakane3699]

This clown Dodge needs to learn quality from Tundra