Exhaust System: Removal
WARNING:
In order to avoid being burned, do not service the exhaust system while it is still hot. Service the system when it is cool. Always wear protective goggles and gloves when removing exhaust parts as falling rust and sharp edges from worn exhaust components could result in serious personal injury.
CAUTION:
When inspecting or replacing exhaust system components, make sure there is adequate clearance from all points on the underbody to prevent overheating of the floor pan and possible damage to the passenger compartment insulation and trim materials. Do not over-flex or damage the flex decoupler joint when moving the flex decoupler joint from the normal mounting position. The flex decoupler joint will flex a maximum of 6 degrees which is equivalent to the pipes connected at the joint which move one inch for each foot length of pipe. A 3 foot pipe would move a maximum of 3 inches.
NOTE:
Servicing of muffler, resonator or pipe requires the replacement of the exhaust system as a complete one-piece unit.
- Raise and support vehicle. Remove 2 bolts securing floor panel tunnel brace to floor panel. See Figure . Remove floor panel tunnel brace from floor panel.
- Remove nuts securing exhaust pipe to left catalytic converter. Remove nuts securing exhaust pipe to right catalytic converter. Suitably support exhaust system.
- Pry front exhaust hanger free from rear suspension hanger rod. Apply a suitable lubricant to tail pipe hanger rods in order to ease removal of the tail pipe hangers. Pry tail pipe hangers free from tail pipe hanger rods.
- With the aid of an assistant, lower exhaust system. See Figure . Remove left side catalytic converter seal. Do not reuse seal. Remove right side catalytic converter gasket. Do not reuse gasket.
- While exhaust system is on floor, apply a suitable lubricant to exhaust pipe hanger rod in order to ease removal of front exhaust hanger. Pull front exhaust hanger from exhaust pipe hanger rod.