Removal Procedure

CAUTION: Refer to Exhaust Service Caution in Cautions and Notices.

CAUTION: Refer to Protective Goggles and Glove Caution in Cautions and Notices.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

Fig 1: View Of Rear Right Wheel Suspension Assembly

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Use care not to over extend the rear brake hose.

Complete the following in order to gain clearance to remove the muffler:
1. Remove the lower shock absorber nuts (9) and bolts (8).
2. Remove the right rear leaf spring nut (2) and bolt (1).
3. Wedge a block of wood (5) between the frame (4) and the rear axle (6).

Fig 2: Nuts Securing The Muffler To The Catalytic Converter

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 3: Exhaust Hanger And Exhaust Muffler Hanger Rod

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Do not use oil base lubricants.

Apply a soapy solution to the exhaust muffler hanger rod (3) in order to ease the removal of the exhaust hanger (1).
Pry the exhaust hanger (1) free from the exhaust muffler hanger rod (3).

Fig 4: Exhaust Hanger And Exhaust Muffler Hanger Rod

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Do not use oil base lubricants.

Apply a soapy solution to the exhaust muffler hanger rod (2) in order to ease the removal of the exhaust hanger (3).
Pry the exhaust hanger (3) free from the exhaust muffler hanger rod (2).

Fig 5: Exhaust Hanger And Exhaust Muffler Hanger Rod

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Do not use oil base lubricants.

Apply a soapy solution to the exhaust muffler hanger rod (3) in order to ease the removal of the exhaust hanger (2).
Pry the exhaust hanger (2) free from the exhaust muffler hanger rod (3).
Complete the following in order to remove the muffler from the vehicle:
1. Slide the muffler rearward from the catalytic converter.
2. Rotate the muffler 90 degrees counterclockwise from the rear.
3. Carefully remove the muffler rearward from the vehicle.