Removing Exhaust Parts
Caution: Always wear protective goggles and gloves when removing exhaust parts as falling rust and sharp edges from worn exhaust components could result in serious personal injury.
Notice: When jacking or lifting the vehicle from the frame side rails, be certain lift pads do not contact the three-way catalytic converter as damage to the converter will result.
When removing exhaust parts an accumulation of dirt and corrosion may make removal difficult. Penetrating oil used on bolt threads may assist in the removal of these components.
Installing Exhaust Parts
Notice: Replacement of exhaust system parts must be OEM standard to ensure that the vehicle operates as designed.
When installing the new exhaust parts, check for proper system alignment. Rattles or noise vibrations in the exhaust system usually are caused by misaligned parts. When aligning the system, leave all of the bolts or the nuts loose until all of the parts are properly aligned. Then tighten, working from the front to rear.
In order to maintain the exhaust system alignment, replace the following components:
| • | The hangers |
| • | The hanger brackets |
| • | The clamps |
Important: The following items are important to the exhaust system replacement.
• When service to the exhaust system requires removing or replacing
the oxygen sensor, refer to
Oxygen Sensor Replacement
in Engine Controls - 2.2L or
Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement
in Engine Controls - 4.3L. • Ensure that the exhaust system replacement parts conform to OEM
standards in order to ensure that the vehicle operates as designed. • Before installing the exhaust manifold pipe to the exhaust manifold
on 2.2L engines, always clean the bolt threads using a wire brush. • When installing the exhaust manifold pipe to the exhaust manifold
on 4.3L engines, always use new nuts. Clean the exhaust manifold stud threads
with a wire brush before installing the new nuts. • When replacing a muffler, replace the tail pipe also.
