Intermediate Pipe: Installation

When assembling exhaust system do not tighten clamps until components are aligned and clearances are checked.

1. Install intermediate pipe and the isolator supports to the underbody (Figure ).
2. Install muffler (Refer to MUFFLER - INSTALLATION  ).
3. Working from the front of system; align each component to maintain position and proper clearance with underbody parts (Figure ). For clearance specifications (Refer to SPECIFICATIONS  ).
CAUTION: Band clamps should never be tightened such that the two sides of the clamps are bottomed out against the center hourglass shaped center block. Once this occurs, the clamp band has been stretched and has lost its clamping force and must be replaced.
To replace the band clamp; remove the nut and peel back the ends of the clamp until spot weld breaks.
NOTE: Maintain proper clamp orientation when replacing with new clamp.
Fig 1: Identifying Intermediate Pipe
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
4. Tighten band clamps to 47 N.m (35 ft. lbs.) (Fig 1 ).