I took my '09 4S in about 4-5 weeks ago for a plug and ignition coil change. I attempted this myself, but sheered one of the bolts off (one that connects the muffler to the catalytic converter). To be honest, I have a lot of rust on the bolts under my car and this was the main reason I decided to take into the shop for this procedure.

Fast forward to yesterday, I decided to check out the work that was done. I mainly wanted to see if the dealer replaced the bolt that I sheered off. To my surprise, the sheered bolt was still in place, completely rusted out (as a point of reference it's the middle bolt in the pic below...thanks DGrayling, Rennlister, that posted this). I called another dealer and they said the only way to get to the plugs and ignition coils is by removing this...at least this is what the Porsche shop protocol calls for. There is also no signs of any of the other muffler bolts being removed. They are all pretty rusty and should have at least shown some signs of a tool being on them.

I will post pics of my undercarriage for your feedback. Was the work done or not? I appreciate the community's input.

Thanks.

 

Notice the sheered bolt that is still rusted and in place.

 

well I just did mine without removing that section of exhaust....
even after removing mine some of the bolt esp on the center muffler are very rusted and look like I didn t touch them when in fact I did.
Dunno...

 

well after seeing the second set of pics I would wonder too.

 

Do you have a 997.1 or 997.2? I used to do the plugs on my 997.1 without removing this section too.

How do you get past the muffler pipes on the 997.2 without removing the muffler? Also, I was just informed by 2 P car shops (including the one that did the work) that mufflers are removed for a plug change.

 

997.2 I did remove mufflers only, not the beginning section of the exhaust where you snapped the bolt. Center muffler stays in place and the only thing needed is to loosen those clamp bolt.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...hange-pic.html

 

Pretty sure you can change the plugs without removing that piece. Next time ask for the old spark plugs.

 

Gentlemen,

It has been many years since I did my own work on a car, and I certainly did not work on high end cars like a Porsche back then. With this said, do all cars rust like this today? I would think they would use better steal (high end stainless) on a Porsche. Or are stainless bolts not used on mufflers due to heat or excess weight? Sorry, I am obviously no car expert, so I am surprised to see so much rust under a high end car like a Porsche!

Thanks,

Jeff

 

I think it must be the muffler industry lobby keeping the quality down...not allowing ANY fastener that can be removed with anything other than a cutting torch! Law!

 

I had
To replace my spark plugs and ignition coils last month on my 2007 c4s. I did not have to remove the mufflers. There is a shield in front that had to remove as well as the wheels. I did remove the mufflers about2months ago and 3 of the bolts sheared off , what a pain. The rear clamps also sheared off but were easy to replace with stainless. The bolts on the muffler flange had to be nocked out with an impact gun so i could replace them with a new stainless nut and bolt. The bolts on the flange for the muffler are pressed in place. (977.) I would say the muffler would have to come off to fix that sheared bolt.

Hope that give you some insight about the sheared bolt!!

 

I think that is useless.
You think a shop or a lazy mechanic would not have another set lying around? He can give you those.
It is different if you needed your ECU changed, those are not just lying around

 

The car is being looked at right now...

Porsche protocol calls for the mufflers being removed. The problem with leaving them in place is that you need to use a universal joint on the wrench and once you introduce this you cannot torque the plugs to the appropriate value (22 ft lbs). The tech and I discussed this and this is why Porsche calls for removal of the mufflers.

It raised enough suspicion with the dealer that they are taking the car apart to verify. I was also informed that the tech that did the work is no longer with that dealer.

 

Good for you !!! Sounds like they didn t do the plugs the first time.
I bet you get apologies up the X$$.

 

Those bolts seemed untouched! Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Ya, I would be suspicious of that too I think. Sounds like some CYA and back peddling going on. Good for you knowing enough about the procedure to raise an eyebrow! I think if it turns out they did not do the plugs I would raise hell with the owner or higher ups...that is COMPLETELY out of line.