Renault Espace (1985 - 1997) - 94 2.0 Petrol - Exhaust Ball Joint leaking

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Mon 3 Nov 2008 11:12
94 2.0 Petrol - Exhaust Ball Joint leaking - Maceman
Hi all,

Any advice for sealing the ball joint on the exhaust system between the catalytic converter and the pipe from the manifold?

Have replaced the cat and it has a special articulated joint at the front end comprising a flange, special tapered heat proof gasket and spring loaded bolts each side.

Have tightened up bolts until springs are coil bound, but still some leakage from the joint.

Cat manufacturer says not to use paste as small pellets may break away once hardened and damage the monolith inside the cat.

Can't see any other way of doing it though.

Advice very much appreciated as MOT retest tomorrow and need to sort the leak tomorrow morning.

Thanks,

Maceman
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Mon 3 Nov 2008 11:32
94 2.0 Petrol - Exhaust Ball Joint leaking - madf
Sealant is a waste of time as these joints are designed to move.

The best solution is probably to undo the joints and the hangers on one side, and gently smooth the joint mating surfaces with steel wool or emery paper to remove all lumps, rust and traces of sealant . DItto with the retainingheat proof gasket and brackets. And reassemble with a fine coating of copperease... (which willl burn off but helps movement )
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Mon 3 Nov 2008 11:42
94 2.0 Petrol - Exhaust Ball Joint leaking - Maceman
Thanks madf,

Will give that a go. The gasket looks like it's made of 'woven' metal, ie their are ridges and pits all over it. . . I suppose these are meant to compress to seal the joint, but it looks like there are plenty of little gaps for the gas to escape?
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