GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Exhaust System Replacement LA3, LY9

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

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Exhaust Service Caution in the Preface section.

Caution: Refer to Protective Goggles and Glove Caution in the Preface section.

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

  2. Object Number: 772383  Size: SH
  3. Remove the 2 bolts securing the floor panel tunnel brace to the floor panel.
  4. Remove the floor panel tunnel brace from the floor panel.

  5. Object Number: 772367  Size: SH
  6. Remove the nuts securing the exhaust pipe to the left catalytic converter.

  7. Object Number: 786652  Size: SH
  8. Remove the nuts securing the exhaust pipe to the right catalytic converter.
  9. Suitably support the exhaust system.

  10. Object Number: 772376  Size: SH
  11. Pry the front exhaust hanger (1) free from the rear suspension hanger rod.

  12. Object Number: 772379  Size: SH
  13. Apply a suitable lubricant to the tail pipe hanger rods in order to ease the removal of the tail pipe hangers (1).
  14. Pry the tail pipe hangers (1) free from the tail pipe hanger rods.

  15. Object Number: 772373  Size: SH
  16. With the aid of an assistant, lower the exhaust system.
  17. Remove the left side catalytic converter seal. Do not reuse the seal.
  18. Remove the right side catalytic converter gasket. Do not reuse the gasket.

  19. Object Number: 786659  Size: SH
  20. While the exhaust system is on the floor complete the following:
  21. Apply a suitable lubricant to the exhaust pipe hanger rod (3) in order to ease the removal of the front exhaust hanger (2).
  22. Pull the front exhaust hanger (2) from the exhaust pipe hanger rod.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 786659  Size: SH
  1. While the exhaust system is on the floor complete the following:
  2. 1.1. Apply a soapy solution to the following in order to ease the installation of the hangers:
       • The inner diameter of the front exhaust hanger (2)
       • The exhaust pipe hanger rod (3)
       • The inner diameter of the tail pipe hangers
       • The tail pipe hanger rods (1)
    1.2. Press the front exhaust hanger (2) over the exhaust pipe hanger rod (3).
  3. Place a NEW seal on the left catalytic converter flange.
  4. Place a NEW gasket over the right catalytic converter studs.
  5. Notice: Refer to Exhaust System Inspection Notice in the Preface section.

    Notice: Refer to Flex Decoupler Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 772373  Size: SH
  6. With the aid of an assistant, raise the exhaust system into position, aligning the exhaust pipe flanges with the studs located in the rear of the catalytic converters.
  7. Finger tighten the 4 nuts to the catalytic converter studs.

  8. Object Number: 772379  Size: SH
  9. Press the tail pipe hangers (1) over the tail pipe hanger rods.

  10. Object Number: 772376  Size: SH
  11. Press the front exhaust hanger (1) over the rear suspension hanger rod.
  12. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 772367  Size: SH
  13. Tighten the 2 left catalytic converter nuts previously installed in step 5.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the catalytic converter nuts to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).


    Object Number: 786652  Size: SH
  15. Tighten the 2 right catalytic converter nuts previously installed in step 5.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the catalytic converter nuts to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).


    Object Number: 772383  Size: SH
  17. Position the floor panel tunnel brace to the floor panel.
  18. Install the 2 bolts securing the floor panel tunnel brace to the floor panel.
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the floor panel tunnel brace bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  20. Lower the vehicle.