Exhaust hanging height fix
#1
Exhaust hanging height fix
Some of you may have experienced the exhaust hanging height problem that one side hangs lower than the other. If you care about how well things should fit and look, then I'm sure the different hanging height would bother you as it did me. I wrote about a replacement rubber hanger that corrects some minor height problem due to saggy bushings, but it didn't seem to be effective on exhaust system that simply hangs wrong.
Now, I have a more effective method that addresses the actual problem - the hanger. The hanger is what determines how high/low the muffler hangs. I was installing an exhaust system last night and the left side was hanging 13mm lower than the right side. That simply looks wrong and ugly. After about 1.5 hrs of adjusting the exhaust mountings and trying different rubber hangers, I finally decided to remove the mufflers and examine the problem. I noticed how the hangers are bent which explains the hanging problem. Below is how I corrected the problem. Now the exhaust is hanging exactly the same on both sides.
Checking reference point: As you can see, this hanger is bent down slightly which will cause the muffer to hang high when installed on the rubber hanger.
Tools needed for adjustment: I used a torch and wrench for the adjustment.
Heating the hanger: Heat the area as shown for about 45 seconds. Repeat if necessary, but don't heat it to red hot!
Performing adjustment; Use a wrench to bend the hanger up or down depending which direction you want to go, but go slowly. Since the hanger on my muffler is hollow, so it was pretty easy to bend. Make sure the hanger is completely cooled before touching after the adjustment. You may have to repeat the process to get a perfect fit. I got lucky with my adjustment as I only had to do it once.
Now, I have a more effective method that addresses the actual problem - the hanger. The hanger is what determines how high/low the muffler hangs. I was installing an exhaust system last night and the left side was hanging 13mm lower than the right side. That simply looks wrong and ugly. After about 1.5 hrs of adjusting the exhaust mountings and trying different rubber hangers, I finally decided to remove the mufflers and examine the problem. I noticed how the hangers are bent which explains the hanging problem. Below is how I corrected the problem. Now the exhaust is hanging exactly the same on both sides.
Checking reference point: As you can see, this hanger is bent down slightly which will cause the muffer to hang high when installed on the rubber hanger.
Tools needed for adjustment: I used a torch and wrench for the adjustment.
Heating the hanger: Heat the area as shown for about 45 seconds. Repeat if necessary, but don't heat it to red hot!
Performing adjustment; Use a wrench to bend the hanger up or down depending which direction you want to go, but go slowly. Since the hanger on my muffler is hollow, so it was pretty easy to bend. Make sure the hanger is completely cooled before touching after the adjustment. You may have to repeat the process to get a perfect fit. I got lucky with my adjustment as I only had to do it once.
#3
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As usual, very nice mod and write-up. My Comptech appears to be even, and I have the NAPA hangers installed too. However, I am interested in the Tanabe Medalion Touring but that would also require a Progress RSB.
#4
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Originally Posted by gsclifton
As usual, very nice mod and write-up. My Comptech appears to be even, and I have the NAPA hangers installed too. However, I am interested in the Tanabe Medalion Touring but that would also require a Progress RSB.
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My comptech hangs even as well (w/ Quiet Tips installed for those that haven't seen them).
#5
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hmm definitly going to try this but I am actually doing to bend the other side down as weel as I like look of it hanging higher up. Gives it a tighter fit.
#6
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Originally Posted by CCColtsicehockey
hmm definitly going to try this but I am actually doing to bend the other side down as weel as I like look of it hanging higher up. Gives it a tighter fit.
#7
Originally Posted by moda_way
My comptech hangs even as well (w/ Quiet Tips installed for those that haven't seen them).
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#8
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Originally Posted by JTso
It looks like your left side is slightly lower than the right side, say 3 to 4mm in the pic. Did you measure the height from the center of the exhaust round opening to the top of the exhaust tip at 12 o'clock?
It isn't enough for me to take the exhaust off I guess is my point.
#9
Originally Posted by moda_way
Yeah, there might be that much difference, but if you look at the right side at the 2 o'clock position... you'll see the crack from the "accident" and I've pushed that around a little.
It isn't enough for me to take the exhaust off I guess is my point.
It isn't enough for me to take the exhaust off I guess is my point.
#10
Originally Posted by gsclifton
As usual, very nice mod and write-up. My Comptech appears to be even, and I have the NAPA hangers installed too. However, I am interested in the Tanabe Medalion Touring but that would also require a Progress RSB.
#12
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Originally Posted by JTso
Your right side looks to be 4mm higher than the left. Damn, I'm just too picky.
You'd be surprised, but at that angle, they look the same... the both are close to the cutouts.
#22
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I believe so. It looks like the left hangers are not bent down enough.
To fix it, I actually pushed the muffler hanger further down the rubber hanger. I will see if it stays this way over normal driving/bumps. If it doesn't, I will have to do this adjustment.
It is hanging more even now:
To fix it, I actually pushed the muffler hanger further down the rubber hanger. I will see if it stays this way over normal driving/bumps. If it doesn't, I will have to do this adjustment.
It is hanging more even now:
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