Will changing exhaust manifold bolts void my warranty?

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breal201999

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Just as the title says... I have 25,000 miles on my truck and although I don't have any problems with manifold bolts breaking, I don't want any problems in the future. I'm thinking of just taking one bolt out at a time and replacing with these https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/11115619 and torquing to 18 ft/lbs. I don't want to go back to dealer for them to tell me since I touched it, my warranty is void. I don't plan on putting headers on it.

The other kicker is, I have the FCA LIFETIME warranty... so should I just rely on that if it ever breaks and not mess with it? Still, I just don't want the headache or someone messing with my truck if they don't have to.

Thanks
 

BWL

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Use the warranty. Not like the problem will cause a break down. Just take it in when you have the time if you have the problem.
 

BWL

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Also, maybe by then if then ever happens they might have a new stud kit to solve the issue since it's so common. Probably not, but possible.
 

Purplert

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Yeah I wouldn’t worry about it while it’s under warranty and risk it, some dealers are picky then others one might not mind and the other might say oh no you voided the warranty because of it.


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Rampant

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Just as the title says... I have 25,000 miles on my truck and although I don't have any problems with manifold bolts breaking, I don't want any problems in the future. I'm thinking of just taking one bolt out at a time and replacing with these https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/11115619 and torquing to 18 ft/lbs. I don't want to go back to dealer for them to tell me since I touched it, my warranty is void. I don't plan on putting headers on it.

The other kicker is, I have the FCA LIFETIME warranty... so should I just rely on that if it ever breaks and not mess with it? Still, I just don't want the headache or someone messing with my truck if they don't have to.

Thanks

I applaud your forward thinking. But if it were me in that situation, knowing I was not considering headers, I'd leave it be.

Even if I did decide to upgrade the hardware, I definitely would not do one bolt at a time. I'd just take the manifolds off completely and change the gaskets while I'm at it. Reason being, there is a torque sequence that needs to be followed; 12 ft lbs, 18 ft lbs, 18 ft lbs., in a specific order.

If you didn't follow that torque sequence, you would almost certainly end up with problems. If you are willing to take this into your own hands, why would you ask the dealer to fix it if you didn't follow the procedure?

Believe me, I feel your pain in thinking about having anyone else touch any of my vehicles. But, you paid for that warranty when you bought the truck. If you're going to keep it stock, hold them accountable for it and keep very close tabs on their maintenance practices.

I'd also let them know your concerns when dropping it off. It lets them know you're not the average "trusting customer" and may help to keep them on their toes, knowing you're going to check everything they touch.
 

wgreggking

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IMHO "If it aint broke dont fix it" Had a ford 5.4 replaced 3 passenger side manifold's in one year. drivers side lasted till I sold it at 120k miles
 
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breal201999

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I applaud your forward thinking. But if it were me in that situation, knowing I was not considering headers, I'd leave it be.

...

Believe me, I feel your pain in thinking about having anyone else touch any of my vehicles. But, you paid for that warranty when you bought the truck. If you're going to keep it stock, hold them accountable for it and keep very close tabs on their maintenance practices.

I'd also let them know your concerns when dropping it off. It lets them know you're not the average "trusting customer" and may help to keep them on their toes, knowing you're going to check everything they touch.

I was kind of thinking along those lines too. Since I have the warranty, that's what it is for. Still, I'll have to pay the $100 deductible, but that's nothing if it means they screw up and I need a new head. I read on another thread where someone had to have the bolt backed out twice and they screwed up the head and started causing other issues. Really that's what I'd like to avoid. But, I didn't pay for the warranty to never use it.
 

Rampant

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I was kind of thinking along those lines too. Since I have the warranty, that's what it is for. Still, I'll have to pay the $100 deductible, but that's nothing if it means they screw up and I need a new head. I read on another thread where someone had to have the bolt backed out twice and they screwed up the head and started causing other issues. Really that's what I'd like to avoid. But, I didn't pay for the warranty to never use it.

Well there you go... You just answered your own question :)
 

Kap1

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That's my post that you read where they messed up the head.

It might still break even if you change the bolts as head is aluminum and manifold is cast iron and they heat up and cool down at different speeds. I've read on another z forum where a dodge dealership mechanic said that the studs they use are plenty tough, but there's another reason why they break, and using different bolts won't help.

Don't worry about it, just let dealer do the service and cross your fingers. If you're really worried, then do research on Yelp and Google reviews on dealerships near your area and find one with better record about service and their mechanics.
 
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breal201999

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That's my post that you read where they messed up the head.

It might still break even if you change the bolts as head is aluminum and manifold is cast iron and they heat up and cool down at different speeds. I've read on another z forum where a dodge dealership mechanic said that the studs they use are plenty tough, but there's another reason why they break, and using different bolts won't help.

Don't worry about it, just let dealer do the service and cross your fingers. If you're really worried, then do research on Yelp and Google reviews on dealerships near your area and find one with better record about service and their mechanics.

Good thought. Just hope the dealer service department is as good as the sales. The bad part is it's an hour drive one way. But, I don't want to give them a reason to fight me on warranty claims.
 
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