Muffler: Service and Repair

Muffler

Removal and Installation
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Using a suitable jack, support the rear axle.





3. Remove the upper arm-to-differential bolt.





4. Remove the shock absorber nut and bolt, then disconnect the rear shock absorbers from the axle housing.
^ Discard the nuts.
5. Lower the rear axle.





6. NOTE: Using a suitable jack, support the catalytic converter near the rear outlet.

Remove and discard the flag nuts, stud and nuts.





7. Remove the exhaust pipe assembly from the rear exhaust hanger isolator.





8. Remove the exhaust hanger isolators.





9. Remove the muffler.

10. CAUTION: Do not use oil or grease-based lubricants on isolators as they cause deterioration of the rubber.

NOTE: Clean the mating surfaces of the inlet pipe and the catalytic converter.

NOTE: Install new exhaust fasteners. Alternately tighten the catalytic converter-to-inlet pipe nuts to specification.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.