Hi, I attempted the Mr Muscle fix on my sticky turbo over the weekend (over boost), unfortunately I didn't get far. I got the car up on ramps, took off the engine cover so I could see the turbo, luckily there's enough room to get your hand past the driveshaft and up to the turbo. The issue I had was with the clamp that holds the exhaust pipe to the turbo, I undone the bolt an peeled back the outer ring and was faced with three clips. I tried to lever a clip with a screwdriver but to no avail, admittedly I didn't try too hard as I wasn't sure how difficult it would be to refit them. Can anyone one please advise. Just as a side note, I did manage to move the actuator arm, this seemed to move freely, a little resistance but maybe that's from the vacuum.

I normally replace the camp, they aren't expensive. They tend to be quite out of shape by the time they come off.

Hi Tech1e, I did buy a new one just incase, how do I remove the old one ?

Any ideas ?

hit it

I'm interested in this too as I'll be doing the same.

Any pictures of the offending clips, and I'm assuming you're saying just bash/bolt crop/break the exhaust clamp off?

(Picture borrowed from Darkside Developments) The offending clamp and gasket, the 3 sections within the band clamp the exhaust pipe to the turbo flange. It's not a case of just pull the outer band apart after undoing the bolt.

Edited 23 October, 201213 yr by cj_uk

Smack them off with an old large screwdriver, but I would make sure you have a replacement and I'd replace the gasket too.

Paul

Thanks Paul, I have bought a genuine replacement from Darkside, it also includes the gasket (as per the photo). When fitting the new clamp, is it just a case of tightening up the bolt to pull the 3 clips together or do you have to make sure all 3 clips are in place first, if you know what I mean :S

Thanks Paul, I have bought a genuine replacement from Darkside, it also includes the gasket (as per the photo). When fitting the new clamp, is it just a case of tightening up the bolt to pull the 3 clips together or do you have to make sure all 3 clips are in place first, if you know what I mean :S

Did you manage to get the oven cleaner in or is that still awaiting progress?

Hi Cheeze, not yet, I wanted to confirm removing and refitting the exhaust clamp before going any further

Not done it myself but watched my mate (mechanic) do it on my old A3, it is just a matter of making sure that all three clips are over the lip on both the turbo and exhaust and that the gasket has stayed in place.

When you tighten it it pulls the two together, as the clips are like a V section.

Paul

Hi Paul, thanks for the info, I plan to do it over a weekend, just got to keep an eye on the weather now

I'm lucky and can get mine in the garage on my drive on ramps, in this case though it was up on a two poster as my mate is a Mechanic.

I'll have to do it on the drive, on ramps, no luxury of a garage :(

I'll have to do it on the drive, on ramps, no luxury of a garage :(

Make sure you are safe though, I was paranoid about getting under my old A3 even on drive up ramps, so had a set of axles stands also under there as backup.

Paul

yes i'm the same Paul, on ramps then axel stands in place, just incase