Muffler: Service and Repair
MUFFLER AND RESONATORWARNING: THE NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS VERY HIGH. THEREFORE, NEVER WORK AROUND OR ATTEMPT TO SERVICE ANY PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM UNTIL IT IS COOLED. SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN WORKING NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CONVERTER RISES TO A HIGH LEVEL AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF ENGINE OPERATION TIME.
REMOVAL
1. Raise vehicle on hoist and apply penetrating oil to clamp bolts and nuts of component being removed.
CAUTION: When servicing the exhaust system, care must be exercised not to dent or bend the bellows of the flex-joint. Should this occur, the flex-joint will eventually fail, requiring replacement of the catalytic converter.
2. Loosen clamps and supports and from exhaust system to permit alignment of parts during assembly.
3. When removing resonator/tailpipe, raise rear of vehicle to relieve body weight from rear springs to provide clearance between pipe and rear axle parts.
4. Clean ends of pipes or muffler to assure mating of all parts. Discard broken or worn insulators, rusted clamps, supports and attaching parts. When replacement is required on any component of the exhaust system. It is important that original equipment parts (or their equivalent) be used;
^ To insure proper alignment with other parts in the system.
^ Provide acceptable exhaust noise levels and does not change exhaust system back pressure that could effect emissions and performance.
INSTALLATION
1. Assemble pipes, muffler support and clamp loosely to permit alignment of all parts.
2. Beginning at front of system, align and clamp each component to maintain position and proper clearance with underbody parts.
3. Tighten the clamp and support to the proper torques and clearances.