need to remove both cats as having to replace gearbox.
have managed to remove bolts that secure cats to centre exhaust system but i am struggling to remove nuts that secure cats to manifolds.
1) what size nuts are they  15mm  ???

2) what tools are needed as everything i have tried i cant seem to get enough purchase on them.

3) do cats need to be removed to remove gearbox ???

sorry its a bit long winded but any help would be grateful

tried a universal joint because very awkward to get at.
do the sockets need to be long reach ?? bit hard to see whats going on up there as i wear verifocal glasses and a pain in the arse when looking upwards 

had plus gas on them and in my mouth and eyes.
will have another go later 

noel wrote on 21. Aug 2011 at 21:19:

Perseverance

Ahhh the joys of owning a 4 pot, I can just reach in from the bonnet and access all exhaust manifold studs 

I would not be surprised if the nuts had been changed over the years, I remember working on a V6 which had 4 different sizes on one bank   

You need a deep 16mm socket, the normal ones just aren't deep enough.  The nuts may be a little corroded so you may have to tap the socket onto the nut slightly.  The larger spark plug sockets fit the task perfectly

right 3 nuts off but top nut passenger side is having none of it ( badly rounded now ).
is it possible to remove gear box with just one cat removed (drivers side removed ) ???

I think you are going to have to persevere. The reason? The o ring gasket between the end of the cat and the manifold will need replacing. I had to reuse mine pending getting new ones and one blew really badly.

If you have some old sockets whitworth or AF you might find something that you can "hammer on" by testing on a nut you have taken off already. More plus gas. Also watch out for falling sockets! I got one right on the bridge of my nose doing that job.

Two man job doing the gearbox but you know that.