Exhaust System: Service and Repair

Exhaust System Replacement (LA3, LY9)
Servicing of the muffler, resonator or pipe requires the replacement of the exhaust system as a complete one-piece unit.

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Exhaust Service Caution in Service Precautions.

Caution: Refer to Protective Goggles and Glove Caution in Service Precautions.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.





2. Remove the 2 bolts securing the floor panel tunnel brace to the floor panel.
3. Remove the floor panel tunnel brace from the floor panel.





4. Remove the nuts securing the exhaust pipe to the left catalytic converter.





5. Remove the nuts securing the exhaust pipe to the right catalytic converter.
6. Suitably support the exhaust system.





7. Pry the front exhaust hanger (1) free from the rear suspension hanger rod.





8. Apply a suitable lubricant to the tail pipe hanger rods in order to ease the removal of the tail pipe hangers (1).
9. Pry the tail pipe hangers (1) free from the tail pipe hanger rods.





10. With the aid of an assistant, lower the exhaust system.
11. Remove the left side catalytic converter seal. Do not reuse the seal.
12. Remove the right side catalytic converter gasket. Do not reuse the gasket.





13. While the exhaust system is on the floor complete the following:
14. Apply a suitable lubricant to the exhaust pipe hanger rod (3) in order to ease the removal of the front exhaust hanger (2).
15. Pull the front exhaust hanger (2) from the exhaust pipe hanger rod.

Installation Procedure





1. While the exhaust system is on the floor complete the following:
1. Apply a soapy solution to the following in order to ease the installation of the hangers:
^ The inner diameter of the front exhaust hanger (2)
^ The exhaust pipe hanger rod (3)
^ The inner diameter of the tail pipe hangers
^ The tail pipe hanger rods (1)

2. Press the front exhaust hanger (2) over the exhaust pipe hanger rod (3).
2. Place a NEW seal on the left catalytic converter flange.
3. Place a NEW gasket over the right catalytic converter studs.






4. Notice: Refer to Exhaust System Inspection Notice in Service Precautions.

Notice: Refer to Flex Decoupler Notice in Service Precautions.

With the aid of an assistant, raise the exhaust system into position, aligning the exhaust pipe flanges with the studs located in the rear of the catalytic converters.
5. Finger tighten the 4 nuts to the catalytic converter studs.





6. Press the tail pipe hangers (1) over the tail pipe hanger rods.





7. Press the front exhaust hanger (1) over the rear suspension hanger rod.






8. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Tighten the 2 left catalytic converter nuts previously installed in step 5.
Tighten the catalytic converter nuts to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.).





9. Tighten the 2 right catalytic converter nuts previously installed in step 5.
Tighten the catalytic converter nuts to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.).





10. Position the floor panel tunnel brace to the floor panel.
11. Install the 2 bolts securing the floor panel tunnel brace to the floor panel.
Tighten the floor panel tunnel brace bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
12. Lower the vehicle.