My rear (back) exhaust manifold (91 GXE) also leak and have a bolt broke off. How hard is this to remove the manifold? My local mechanic gave me an estimate of $1,200 to replaced and fix the broken bolt. He said the bolts are rusted and difficult to remove.
Thanks is advance for your help.

 

www.4DSC.com look for the article on manifold stud replacement.

 

If its a VE, here are some posts that could help you....

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=285587
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=284277

You shouldn't pay anything near that estimate. Especially if your manifold is reusable. What usually happens is the lack of torque where a broken stud is allows the manifold to expand. Over time repeated temperature changes from engine temp (not sure, around 800*F) to outside temperature cause it to warp. A machine shop can easily fix this by shaving down the surface where the manifold meets the engine. This will cost you around $30.

I had a mechanic do both sides of my car for $300. If your mechanic will not go as low as $500 I'd take the work someplace else.

Just remember, if you decide to do it yourself you'll need an angle drill for the front. This depends on which stud is broken and if if needs to be drilled out or not. Also, a lift is very useful to get to the studs on the rear bank. Power tools are handy too. I would have done it myself but had none of these tools at my disposal.

Hopefully this helps. Good luck.

Matt