Exhaust Muffler
The muffler is a tri-flow design. The muffler has a slot in the inlet pipe. The pipe indexes to a tab welded on the exhaust pipe in order to help maintain the alignment.
Hangers
Important: The installation of exhaust system hangers is very important, as improperly installed hangers can cause annoying vibrations that can be difficult to diagnose.
Two types of hangers support the exhaust system. One is a conventional rubber strap. The other is a rubber block. The rubber block type is a rigid hanger with a feature that supports the exhaust system when a rubber insulator block is broken.
Clamps and Welded Connections
Caution: Exhaust may enter the vehicle and cause personal injury if the slip joints are not coated with exhaust system sealer before assembly.
Clamps and welds connect the exhaust system slip joints. When installing replacement parts, cut the welded connection and clamp the new connection.
Three types of clamps connect the exhaust system slip joints: guillotine, saddle/U-bolt, and single nut compression.
On-Vehicle Service and Component Replacement
Exhaust system service includes the replacement of the following items:
| • | The exhaust pipe |
| • | The muffler (with tail pipe(s) |
| • | The complete exhaust system |
| • | The catalytic converter and the exhaust muffler hangers |
| • | The catalytic converter heat shield |
| • | The exhaust heat shield |
| • | The exhaust pipe heat shield |
| • | The exhaust muffler heat shield |
Catalytic Converter
Caution: Prolonged operation of a misfiring or flooded engine may cause the catalytic converter to overheat. Damage to the catalyst, the operating vehicle, or personal injury may result.
Notice: When jacking or lifting the vehicle from the frame side rails, be certain that the lift pads do not contact the catalytic converter. This may damage the converter.
The catalytic converter is an emission control device added to the exhaust system to reduce pollutants from the exhaust gas stream.
Notice: In order to avoid damage to the catalyst, use unleaded fuel only.
A single bed ceramic monolith style brick catalytic converter is used in combination with two types of catalyst: oxidation catalyst, and three-way (reduction/oxidation) catalyst.
The catalysts' coatings contain platinum and palladium. The oxidation catalyst lowers the level of hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO). The three-way catalyst lowers the levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) as well as HC and CO.
Exhaust System Clearance Dimensions
Check exhaust system clearance dimensions only when the engine is cold. If you can not satisfy the dimensions, there is a quality deficiency in a component. Replace the component. For exhaust system clearance specifications, refer to Exhaust System Clearances or Exhaust System Clearances .
Inspection Procedure
Notice: In order to prevent overheating of the floor panel or damage to the passenger compartment, insulation, and trim materials, check the underbody for adequate clearance when inspecting or replacing the exhaust system components.
There is no need for periodic maintenance of the exhaust system. If you raise the vehicle for another service, check the condition of the complete exhaust system.
In addition to the exhaust system, check the nearby body areas and the rear compartment lid for the following conditions:
| • | Damaged, missing or improperly installed parts |
| • | Open seams |
| • | Holes |
| • | Loose connections |
| • | Other deterioration |
Any of these conditions may allow exhaust fumes to seep into the rear compartment or the passenger compartment. Dust or water in the rear compartment may signal a problem in one of these areas.
Immediately repair or replace any faulty components. Replace the exhaust system pipe to the rear of the exhaust muffler assembly whenever you install a new exhaust muffler assembly. Doing this helps preserve the integrity of the system.
