Exhaust System: Service and Repair
Exhaust System Alignment1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Loosen all fasteners joining the exhaust system components.
3. Beginning at the front of the vehicle, align the exhaust system to establish the maximum clearance. Make sure all fit pipes are pushed all the way into the preceding pipe and the notches are correctly lined up with the tabs.
4. Begining at the rear of the vehicle, tighten the muffler-to-underbody catalytic converter or converter delete pipe (if equipped) to specification. For vehicles with wheel bases above 138 inches, tighten the muffler-to-extension pipe, followed by the underbody catalytic converter.
1 Tighten the RH leg of the Y-pipe. Tighten the outboard exhaust manifold stud-to-Y-pipe nut to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.). Tighten the inboard exhaust manifold stud-to-Y-pipe nut to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.), then tighten the outboard exhaust manifold stud-to-Y-pipe nut to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.).
2 Tighten the LH leg of the Y-pipe. Tighten the outboard exhaust manifold stud-to-Y-pipe nut to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.). Tighten the inboard exhaust manifold stud-to-Y-pipe nut to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.), then tighten the outboard exhaust manifold stud-to-Y-pipe nut to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.).
^ Tighten the underbody catalytic converter-to-Y-pipe fasteners to specification.
5. Start the engine and check the exhaust system for leaks.