rusty emission canister bolts.

I am trying to drop the emissions canister to install a trailer hitch. Of course the bolts are rusty and stuck so I have them soaking in PB blaster (again). I can use a lot more torque to try to get the bolts to move but it looks like the whole canister is starting to flex and I am concerned that I will break it or whatever it is mounted to. Should I just torque away and replace whatever I break or is there a smarter way to go about this?

You shouldn't have to remove, or even move the canister. Even with different bumpers between the sedan and wagon, the canister is located in the same place relative to everything else on the chassis.

The instructions say at step 1 to drop the canister. Supposedly it is to make room for lining up the hitch. I'll just torque it and hope for the best.

Hmmmm I had no problem dropping it without coming close to the canister.

 

*shrug*

 

Soak and soak and soak it with PB blaster

Dont use a torch whatever you do!

Graduate from PB blaster to in-force (a bg product). Put the socket on the fastener and rap it with a hammer to work in your rust penetrant. The percussion also helps kinetically loosen the corrosion. If possible use an electric 1/4" or 3/8" impact gun (not going full power though). The point where the torque is applied is much closer to the center of rotation than using a wrench and will help alleviate the twisting issue.