Exhaust system tips

Oxidized sheet metal cannot be welded firmly. Therefore, the success of repairing a rusted exhaust system is most often transient. Exhaust putty and bands last a little longer, but damaged metal soon breaks near the repair site. In exhaust systems with more than one muffler, it often happens that after replacing the first muffler after a few months «say goodbye to life» second.

Therefore, in workshops, as a rule, they change the entire exhaust system. Nevertheless, accurately check the condition of the system, and only then decide whether to change individual nodes or the entire system.

Raise the vehicle securely and on a level surface.

If during dismantling you cannot disconnect the rusted screw connections, then try to twist the nuts - then most often the bolts break off. Always use new bolts, circlips, nuts and gaskets when assembling.

For the sake of safety, immediately replace all rubber bands as well.

If a part of the exhaust system has already been changed, it is best to disconnect the plug-in connections of the pipe ends when they are hot. In the workshop, a welding torch is taken for this purpose - as a rule, a good propane torch for hobbyists can also do this. When doing this work, be sure to protect your hands with work gloves and goggles, keep a fire extinguisher ready. Practical tip: Before lighting the burner, try using a rust remover.

Separate the pipes with strong rotational movements, assisted by light hammer blows.

If this does not help, saw off the pipe connection of the defective muffler at a distance of 10 cm behind the connection. Cut the rest of the pipe with a saw for metal in the longitudinal direction and wring it out with a strong screwdriver.

The exhaust system screw connections will be easier to remove next time if you lubricate the threads with high temperature copper grease when installing. This also applies to overlapped pipe connections.