Removal Procedure

Servicing of the mufflers, resonator or pipe requires the replacement of the exhaust system as a complete 1-piece unit.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
2. Remove the oxygen sensor wiring harness heat shield. Refer to OXYGEN SENSOR WIRING HARNESS HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT  .
3. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor at the pigtail.
4. Remove the heated oxygen sensor if replacement is necessary. Refer to HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR in Engine Controls-4.6L.
5. Remove the 4 nuts securing the catalytic converter to the rear exhaust manifold pipe.
6. Remove the catalytic converter gasket. Do not reuse the gasket.
7. Suitably support the exhaust system.
   Fig 1: Removing Nuts Securing Catalytic Converter To Rear Exhaust Manifold Pipe

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. Remove the 2 bolts securing the center exhaust hangers to the rear suspension support brackets.
   Fig 2: Removing Bolts Securing Center Exhaust Hangers To Rear Suspension Support Brackets

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Remove the 2 bolts securing the rear exhaust hanger brackets to the rear compartment rails.
10. With the aid of an assistant, lower the exhaust system.
    Fig 3: Removing Bolts Securing Rear Exhaust Hanger Brackets To Rear Compartment Rails

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Remove the 2 nuts securing the rear exhaust hangers to the rear exhaust hanger brackets.
12. Remove the rear exhaust hanger brackets from the rear exhaust hangers.
    Fig 4: Removing Rear Exhaust Hanger Brackets From Rear Exhaust Hangers

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.