Removal

REMOVAL




Figure 1 Exhaust System - Typical (All Vehicles)






1. Raise vehicle on a body contact type hoist.

NOTE: To provide removal clearance between muffler/resonator pipe and rear axle parts, the rear suspension must be relieved of all body weight.

2. Apply a penetrating oil to clamp nuts of component requiring removal.

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.

3. Disconnect the right side axle half shaft from the rear differential module (AWD equipped only).
4. Loosen the band clamp (Figure 1) at the muffler to converter pipe connection.
5. Remove the exhaust hangers to body screws (Figure 1).
6. Separate muffler pipe from converter pipe.
7. Remove muffler/resonator assembly by moving assembly forward and guiding the resonator through the rear axle to body opening.
8. 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 equivalent) be used for the following conditions:
- Ensure proper alignment with other components in the system.
- Provide acceptable exhaust noise levels.
- Provide proper exhaust system back pressure for maintaining emission and performance levels.