Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Body Mount Exhaust Tips
Replacing an exhaust system with a body mount exhaust system is something that anyone with the right tools and a little know-how can accomplish. Many people take on this task to save money in labor costs, but if you dont have the right tools and knowledge you could end up doing more harm than good. Installing a body mount exhaust system is different from installing a typical exhaust system in the end, but they all start the same.
Remove the Existing System First
To be able to install a new exhaust system, the old one must first be properly removed. Tools ranging from a common wrench to a powered angle or disc grinder will be needed, as rust and corrosion of the metal parts and bolts that hold the old system in place may prevent removal with wrenches alone. Its typically much quicker, in cases where the old exhaust will be thrown out as scrap metal, to use a grinder wheel and cut the entire exhaust system into sections and remove them piece by piece, cutting the heads off of the connecting bolts if they wont turn out. Removing the old rubber bushings that stabilize the exhaust system is a priority as well, as newer exhaust systems, especially upgraded stainless steel systems, weigh more than mild steel stock exhausts.
Dry Fit the Body Mount Exhaust System
Once everything has been removed from the exhaust manifold back, the new system may be installed. To ensure that all the sections and pieces are the correct length and fit, a dry fitting, or "mock fit," should be performed before any sections are permanently attached or sealed. To do this, all sections and seams are put together without any seam sealant or bolts, and the entire exhaust system is put in place to make sure the end of the exhaust protrudes from the desired location on the vehicle. If it does, installation can continue. If there are any undesired angles or bends in the sections or layout of the system, they should be corrected before final installation.
Final Steps
When the body mount exhaust is ready to be installed, make sure that each joint or union between two sections is sealed properly and secured with the correct hardware. Newer bushings that are rated for the weight of the new system should be installed, and there should be the proper amount of the recommended sealant for the type of metal the exhaust is made of. Once the system is fully in place, the final tightening of all the support bolts and union ties can be done. But be sure that no twisting occurs in the piping system as its tightened.
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