Exhaust System: Description and Operation

GENERAL INFORMATION
The exhaust systems are produced in several configurations, depending on engine and vehicle. Some vehicles have a catalytic converter mounted heat shield. Tail pipes, mufflers, and resonators are tuned to each vehicle/powertrain combination.





FLEX-JOINT COUPLING
A special exhaust flex-joint coupling is used to secure the catalytic converter to the engine manifold. This living joint actually moves back and forth as the engine moves, preventing breakage that could occur from the back-and-forth motion of a transverse mounted engine.

Components
The exhaust flex-joint has four bolts, four flag nuts and a gasket that are separate parts from the exhaust flex-joint. The flex-joint is welded to the catalytic converter.

CAUTION: When servicing, care must be exercised not to dent or bend the bellows of the flex-joint. Should this occur, the flex-joint will eventually fail and require the catalytic converter be replaced.