Removal Procedure

CAUTION: In order to avoid being burned, do not service the exhaust system while it is still hot. Service the system when it is cool.

CAUTION: Refer to PROTECTIVE GOGGLES & GLOVE CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Remove the 2 bolts securing the floor panel tunnel brace to the floor panel.
Remove the floor panel tunnel brace from the floor panel.

Fig 1: Removing Floor Panel Tunnel Brace & Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the nuts securing the exhaust pipe to the left catalytic converter.

Fig 2: Removing Exhaust Pipe To Left Catalytic Converter Retaining Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the nuts securing the exhaust pipe to the right catalytic converter.
Suitably support the exhaust system.

Fig 3: Removing Exhaust Pipe To Right Catalytic Converter Retaining Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Pry the front exhaust hanger (1) free from the rear suspension hanger rod.

Fig 4: Removing Front Exhaust Hanger
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Apply a suitable lubricant to the tail pipe hanger rods in order to ease the removal of the tail pipe hangers (1).
Pry the tail pipe hangers (1) free from the tail pipe hanger rods.

Fig 5: Removing Tail Pipe Hangers
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
With the aid of an assistant, lower the exhaust system.

Fig 6: Lowering Exhaust System
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the left side catalytic converter seal. Do not reuse the seal.
Remove the right side catalytic converter gasket. Do not reuse the gasket.
While the exhaust system is on the floor complete the following:
Apply a suitable lubricant to the exhaust pipe hanger rod (3) in order to ease the removal of the front exhaust hanger (2).
Pull the front exhaust hanger (2) from the exhaust pipe hanger rod.

Fig 7: Removing Front Exhaust Hanger
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.