GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value

Yes

No

1

Check for leakage at the exhaust component joints.

Are the joints leaking?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

  1. Tighten the clamps.
  2. Tighten the couplings to specified torque. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .

Has the leakage stopped?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Check for incorrectly installed components.
  2. Check for misaligned components.

Are there any incorrectly installed or misaligned components?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Install the components correctly.
  2. Align, then tighten the connections. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .

Has the leakage stopped?

--

System OK

Go to Step 5

5

Check for a cracked exhaust manifold.

Is the exhaust manifold cracked?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Replace the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement or Exhaust Manifold Replacement .

Has the leakage stopped?

--

System OK

Go to Step 7

7

Check for leakage between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head.

Is there leakage between the cylinder head and the exhaust manifold?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Tighten the exhaust manifold to cylinder head bolts to specifications. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .

Has the leakage stopped?

--

System OK

Go to Step 9

9

Check for damaged seals or packings.

Are the seals or packings leaking?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the seals or packings as necessary.

Has the leakage stopped?

--

System OK

Go to Step 11

11

Check for burned out or rusted exhaust pipes.

Are the exhaust pipes burned out or rusted?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

Replace the exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Pipe Replacement or Catalytic Converter Replacement .

Has the leakage stopped?

--

System OK

Go to Step 13

13

Check for a rusted out muffler.

Is the muffler rusted out?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

14

Replace the muffler assembly. Refer to Muffler Replacement

Has the leakage stopped?

--

System OK

Go to Step 15

15

  1. Check for loose or broken hangers.
  2. Check for loose or broken brackets.

Are the hangers or brackets loose or broken?

--

Go to Step 16

System OK

16

Repair or replace hangers or brackets as necessary.

Has the leakage stopped?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1