Exhaust Pipe/Muffler Rumble, Rattle, Moan, Drone, Vibration Noise (Align Exhaust and Install New Exhaust Seals)

Some customers may comment on an underbody rattle/clunk/rumble noise.

This condition may be due to insufficient clearance between the exhaust and transmission crossmember.

1. Measure the clearance between the exhaust pipe and the transmission crossmember.

•	If the clearance is between 15 mm-30 mm (0.59 in-1.18 in), this is not the cause of the customer's concern. Do not proceed with this bulletin. Continue to diagnose the customer's concern.

•	If the clearance is less than 15 mm (0.59 in), realign the exhaust following steps 2-6.

2. Disconnect the Y-pipe outlet from the exhaust muffler assembly.
3. Loosen both the left and right exhaust manifold pipe nuts. It may be necessary to remove the right side O2 sensor to gain access to all the right side exhaust manifold nuts.
4. Install new exhaust seals.

Illustration "A":





Important:  The left exhaust MUST be torqued first.

5. Tighten the left exhaust manifold pipe bolts in the sequence indicated in illustration "A" above.

Tighten:
TIghten the bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

Illustration "B":





Important:  Monitor the clearance between the exhaust pipe and the transmission crossmember. It may be necessary to push up on the exhaust while tightening the right exhaust manifold nuts in order to achieve a minimum clearance of 15 mm (0.59 in).

6. Tighten the right exhaust manifold pipe bolts in the sequence indicated in illustration "B" above.

Tighten:
Tighten the bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

7. Tighten the Y-pipe outlet to the exhaust muffler assembly.

Tighten:
Tighten to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: