Muffler: Service and Repair

Muffler Replacement

Removal Procedure





1. Remove the right rear tire and wheel.
2. Remove the stabilizer link.





3. Remove the rear axle brace.
4. Support the rear axle with the appropriate jack stand.





5. Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt.
6. Lower the rear axle to remove the rear coil spring.

7. Important: Note the markings on the coil spring to ensure the proper seating position for the proper installation.

Remove the rear coil spring.





8. Remove the retaining nuts at the catalytic converter flange.





9. Remove the exhaust pipe from the hangers at the muffler and the catalytic converter (catalytic converter shown, muffler similar).





10. Remove the retaining nuts at the rear exhaust hangers (left shown, right similar).





11. With the aide of an assistant, slide the muffler assembly to the rear.





12. Important: It maybe necessary to lower the rear axle to gain enough clearance to remove the muffler assembly.

Rotate the muffler assembly to clear the rear axle housing.
13. Lower the muffler assembly to clear the rear valance.
14. Remove the muffler assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure.





1. With the aide of an assistant, position the muffler assembly on the rear axle housing.





2. Glide the rear muffler assembly to clear the rear valance.





3. Slide the muffler assembly forward to clear the rear axle housing.





4. Install the retaining nuts for the catalytic converter. Finger tighten the nuts.
5. Install the muffler assembly and catalytic converter in the hangers (catalytic converter shown, muffler similar).





6. Install the retaining nuts for the rear hangers. Finger tighten the retaining nuts.

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

Install the catalytic converter flange retaining nuts.
^ Tighten the catalytic converter retaining nuts to 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the rear exhaust hanger retaining nuts.
^ Tighten the rear exhaust hanger retaining nuts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).





9. Important: Make sure that all the reference markings are positioned correcting.

Install the rear coil spring.





10. Raise the rear axle to install the lower shock absorber bolt and nut.
11. Install the lower shock absorber bolt and nut.
^ Tighten the shock absorber bolt to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.).





12. Install the rear axle brace.





13. Install the stabilizer link and nut.
^ Tighten the stabilizer link nut to 35 Nm (25 ft. lbs.).
14. Install the right rear tire and wheel.