Can't separate midpipes from downpipe (N55)

[Felix254]

As it says, I can't get my midpipes undone from the stock downpipe to put in my new one. I have the nuts removed, but I cannot back off the midpipes enough to get off of the downpipe studs. I've looked at a few of the DIYs for the DP install, and it seems no one has a problem with this step so I figure I'm doing something wrong. Guidance appreciated.

[Pig Farmer]

Did you remove the supporting clamp/bracket in the middle of the mid pipe? Once removed, there should be plenty of play in the muffler hangers to pull the midpipe away from the down pipes.

[Felix254]

I removed the hangar held on by the torx bolt. There's little to no lateral movement when I try to move the pipe. I can get a screwdriver in there and pry it about 1/4in but that's it.

[stevenc]

there is a cross brace holding the pipes... Did you remove that?

[Pig Farmer]

Felix -- Can you tell where is getting hung up? Are the mids moving a 1/4 back or are the down pipes moving forward. If you removed the bracket in the middle of the mid pipe, all I can think is that the studs are bent, or the mid pipe is hanging down in the rear and causing the holes to pinch the studs. Try raising the rear of the midpipe and pull it straight back from the rear. Good luck!

[Felix254]

I lifted and pulled and got it out. Unfortunately after I got it all put back together one of the gaskets is leaking.

[lucaa135]

if its just the pipes that are stuck together, just turn your car on for a 30-45 seconds and let the pipes heat up a little bit. put on some gloves and pull on them, they will come off. sometimes they get a bit stuck, but the heat helps loosen it up