A vehicle’s exhaust system is an often overlooked part of the car at many shops, or worse when it is repaired, it is repaired with low quality aftermarket parts. It is often only noticed when substantial leaks occur that cause the exhaust to be noticeably louder. It is vitally important to regularly monitor and service the exhaust system regardless of decibel level as small leaks that infiltrate the passenger compartment can disorient and very possibly kill the driver. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide and this gas is very lethal to humans and animals, even in small doses. Carbon monoxide is cumulative in the body—small doses of poisoning every day can lead to fatality.
Please read the additional safety and technical information:
Case Study no. 1
While more detailed training will be given later, the following are some general guidelines for exhaust work.
There are four ways to connect exhaust pipes on the cars that we typically repair:
1. hose clamps for sleeved style exhausts
a. U clamp style (low quality)
b. round clamp style (high quality) (this is what we use)
c. advantages include serviceability over welding as individual pieces can be taken apart
d. disadvantages include fusing of sleeved pieces over time
e. anti-seize male and female sleeved sections and hardware
2. welding
a. whether stock or custom exhaust, pieces are brought together and either MIG or gas welded b. advantages include ease of assembly and smooth appearance/flow
c. disadvantages include low serviceability and it is not possible to weld aged, rusted exhaust
3. bolting, flat flange style
a. this style uses crushable gasket
b. use new hardware—anti seize hardware
c. no adjustability at flat flange
d. advantages include serviceability over welding as individual pieces can be taken apart
4. bolting, conical flange style
a. found on later SAABs
b. anti-seize flanges and hardware
c. no gasket used
d. greater adjustability
e. advantages include serviceability over welding as individual pieces can be taken apart
Regardless of which style of exhaust connection used it is important to ensure proper adjustment of the pipes, mufflers and catalytic converter(s). Improperly adjusted exhaust systems can rattle and clunk against the chassis and/or suspension. Also, improperly adjusted exhaust plumbing that is too close to the chassis (contacting or not) can melt or ignite undercoating, carpeting, wiring, etc. due to the high temperature of the exhaust system. Typically, we do not weld exhaust systems at this shop. We use only correct OEM or OEM style exhaust. We will install certain aftermarket performance exhaust systems on a case by case basis.
Additionally, the new 9-3 (9440) and 9-5 (9600) have factory installed single piece exhaust systems. Because the entire exhaust system from the turbo flange to the tailpipe is one piece, there are three possible options for repair:
1. replacement of entire single piece unit with SAAB factory exhaust (neither typical nor suggested)
2. sleeve style replacement of damaged portion of the system (as intended by SAAB)
3. welded repair to the damaged portion of the system |