Am I missing something again?

There just isn't enough room to pull this damn thing out :S




I'm sure there is a more straightforward way than having to go down the route of removing exhaust components and finding my way to removing that bracket surely?

 

I don't think you are referring to #3... 3 is drivers side (well, passenger side in the UK) furthest towards the front of the car. Looks like the coil pack that is loosened is #1 or #4, which are the rearmost left and right respectively, definitely the hardest to access.

At any rate, all coils should come out without removing the exhaust or the bracket. There should be enough flex in the spark plug connector on the coil to pull it out, and also note that those extension connectors are not permanently connected to the coils, they twist off just like ignition wires used to twist off a distributor cap. I've never heard of anybody needing to separate the connector to remove the coils, but if something is odd with your car, it should be easier than trying to pull those muffler brackets.

Removing the mufflers themselves (not the tubular brackets) can give you a bit more access... three bolts on the flat part of the muffler bracket and the two bolts holding the muffler onto the cat. Pretty easy once you've figured it out but doesn't directly address the problem you are having. Just better visibility and slightly better access.

I suppose there could be some additional complication with a right hand drive car, but I doubt it.


1 = Coil (99760210400, includes spark plug connector)
2 = Spark Plug Connector (99660210500, available separately)

 

Sorry its no4.

I didn't bother taking the connector off as I spotted that I was going to enter a problem before taking it off. There is honestly not enough backing up space to get that coil out.

I'm just gonna spend the few minutes removing the muffler and bracket.

CBA to thing anymore than that !

 

#4 is definitely the most challenging plug/coil to get to, but it definitely can be removed without pulling the muffler bracket or muffler.

Removing the muffler is easy and arguably worth doing when changing plugs.

Removing the bracket (which is your issue) is more difficult. Never done it, never had to do it even when changing plugs/coils....

 

If you don't want to remove the muffler then try a really small swiveling ratchet. I would really consider removing the muffler. I put bypass pipes on so I had no issues changing all the spark plugs out. The passenger side farthest rear spark plug was the most time consuming of the 6 but it was not bad at all without the muffler present.