There's a sign above the garage up the road, it reads:
We Fix 'Do it Yourself Repairs'
Muffler pipes need to be repaired in such a manner so as not to
touch the car body during vibrations. Usually if you try to remove
one section you break the other sections attached to it.
If it's a small hole you can get pipe wrap to do a repair over the
damaged pipe. Muffler pipe bolts usually always break off or snap
off. You may get lucky. Catalytic converters are expensive.
Take it to a shop and get an estimate, they're free.

JPoy wrote:
>
> Greetings!
>
> I was thinking of replacing the flex joint (1992 Mazda Protege) between the
> catalytic converter and the exhaust manifold. Is this a difficult job? My
> main concern loosening the three nuts (14 mm) on the exhaust manifold, there
> in good shape. The two 17 mm nuts holding the it to the catalytic converter
> are rusted. I don't have air gun, but I have a ratchet set and some
> penetrating oil.
>
> I not sure if I should try this job or take it to a muffler dealer. Is it
> hard to remove the nuts??