Help in Taking Down Exhaust

[chicanemusic]

Hi. I am trying to take down my exhaust to install a hitch for my CX7 and I've had no luck doing this.. I would like to ask if anyone has done this recently and give me some tips on how to do this.

First off, there are these rubber clamps that wrap around the rubber hangers. Before I put some elbow grease into it, should I just pry these clamps off to get to the rubber hangers? After I get them off, does anyone know of how to get those rubber hangers off easily?

Thanks

Jay

 

[chicanemusic]

Success

Anyway, I decided to go for it today and got the hitch installed by myself. For anyone who would try it themselves, here are some tips:

-Do not try to pry off the hard plastic attached to the rubber hanger. I got more sunlight today and saw that the hard plastic was attached to the hanger and it would seem that it is there to protect the hanger from damage.
-Get under the bumper on your side and pull on the hanger towards the other pipe. Try to get the topmost part of the hanger off its hook. You have to pull and twist it from side to side till it comes loose
-Once you get two rear hangers off, everything else should be easy. I couldnt believe how easy it was to put the hangers on again!!
-I installed the hitch by myself and this thing is heavy. I stacked some barbell plates one at a time till I got the hitch high enought so that it is snug on the chassis and can be bolted easily.

 

[erhayes]

Looks excellent and thank you for sharing the information. What kind of hitch did you get? OEM or ??

 

[chicanemusic]

I got a Hidden Hitch Class III: http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2008_Mazda_CX-7.htm. I know the CX-7 Touring is only rated to tow up to 2000 lbs but I just wanted more choices in what I can attached to it so a got one with a 2" x 2" openin. I currently have a Thule bike rack on it.

 

[bertrand_CX_7]

I got a Hidden Hitch Class III: http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2008_Mazda_CX-7.htm. I know the CX-7 Touring is only rated to tow up to 2000 lbs but I just wanted more choices in what I can attached to it so a got one with a 2" x 2" openin. I currently have a Thule bike rack on it.

Thanks for the link man! Very helpfull. I was looking to buy one from U-Haul but know that I've found this I'll get It since It's more cheaper.

You said: "I currently have a Thule bike rack on it" do you have any info for that bike rack because I'll buy the trailer only to cary my bikes.

Thanks once again for sharing the information.

Bertrand_CX_7