Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

Inspect the exhaust pipes, the catalytic converter, the muffler, and the tail pipe for the following conditions:
^ Cracked joints
^ Broken welds
^ Corrosion damage (corrosion damage can cause leaks in the exhaust system).

Inspect the clamps, the brackets, and the insulators for the following conditions:
^ Broken bolts
^ Stripped bolt threads
^ Corroded bolts

The exhaust system (including the heat shields) must be free of the following conditions:
^ Leaks
^ Binding
^ Grounding
^ Excessive vibration

These conditions may occur if any of the following components are loose or damaged:
^ Flange bolts or flange nuts
^ Heat shields
^ Brackets
^ Pipes

If any of these conditions exist, inspect the exhaust system alignment. Align and replace any components as necessary, including manifold seals, nuts, and gaskets.