Hi,

Recently started hearing a ticking noise especially on cold starts and while driving with a cold truck. Took it in thinking it was the heat shield and come to find out its the manifold bolts on the back of the manifold. Anyone have this issue recently? Know about how much it is going to cost? Debating on doing it myself, I'm mediocre when it comes to fixing cars but really don't want to be spending over $1,000 to do this. It's an 06 dakota 4.7 v8. Any help or recommendations will be great. Thanks!

 

What about the manifold bolts? Loose? Broken? What?

Are you sure it's a ticking? Not more of a putting? What I'm asking is does it sound like metal hitting metal or exhaust leaking out of the manifold?

 

Poor design has made this a normal issue with the V8 dak. I have replaced both sides with grade eight bolts. no more shearing off. Drivers side is fairly easy, especially if the stud is still visable. My bolt was sheared flat to the head so I used and 90 deg air drill and easy out and came out fairly easy. Any reputable muffler shop should be able to do it pretty inexpensively.. Good luck

 

The same thing happened on my 4.7 V8 two weeks ago. I didn't know what had happened so I took it in. I don't have the proper tools to remove the bolt so I had him fix it. Cost me $440.

 

Hi - update. The bolts were snapped. Got a couple different quotes from dealerships, exhaust shop where I got my exhaust done who wanted 800 per side so 1600-1800 for the job. I ended up going with a friend who works at a Dodge dealership in CT and is going to do it on the side for $400. Much happier with that price, as I was freaking out a bit when I heard 1600-1800.

Thanks for all your time. I'll have her purring again just in time for fishing season.

 

they are so easy to replace by yourself, the only issue is, make sure you have access to the bolt in the head, if you screw that up, the motor needs to be torn apart to get head off and redrill new stud holes. bolts and gaskets should run about 30.00