Basic provisions
1. On all models, the exhaust system is made up of three sections (except for the exhaust manifold) - a downpipe in which the catalytic converter is mounted (if installed), an intermediate silencer and a tail section that contains the rear silencer.
2. The system is suspended along its entire length on rubber supports, which are attached to the bottom of the car body using metal brackets. The downpipe is attached to the gearbox with a bracket and a metal bracket.
3. The exhaust manifold and downpipe are connected by flanges through a gasket using nuts or bolts. Connections between downpipe, catalytic converter (where it is installed) and an intermediate silencer also by means of flanges, which are equipped with conical seals. A bolt-on clamping ring is used to connect the intermediate muffler to the rear of the system.
Removing
4. Each section can be removed separately, or the entire exhaust system can be removed.
5. Before removing any of the parts of the system, raise the front or rear of the vehicle and place on supports (see "Vehicle lifting and jacking up"). You can install the car over a viewing hole or on a flyover.
Downpipe
6. Place blocks of wood under the catalytic converter or the lowest point in the downpipe. Where applicable, please contact Chapter 4B and unscrew the Lambda probe from the exhaust pipe. If the downpipe is still going to be used. Disconnect the lambda probe connector.
7. Loosen and unscrew the nuts securing the downpipe or catalytic converter (depending on what is required) to intermediate silencer (see fig. 7.7). Loosen the bolts and remove the conical seal from the connection.
Pic. 7.7. Downpipe connection to intermediate muffler
8. Loosen and remove the bolts that secure the downpipe bracket to the clutch basket base.
9. Remove nuts or bolts (depending on what is being used) and separate downpipe from exhaust manifold/turbocharger (see fig. 7.9). Remove the gasket, then remove the downpipe from under the car.
Pic. 7.9. Downpipe connection to manifold
Catalytic converter
10. Loosen and remove nuts securing downpipe to catalytic converter. Remove the bolts and remove the cone seal from the connection.
11. Loosen the clamp nut and the bolt securing the catalytic converter to the intermediate pipe.
12. Separate the catalytic converter from an intermediate pipe, then take it out from under the car.
Intermediate silencer
13. Loosen the turnbuckle nut and bolt securing the downpipe or catalytic converter (whatever is installed) to the intermediate silencer.
14. Loosen the turnbuckle nut and bolt and disconnect the tailpipe from the intermediate muffler.
15. Remove the intermediate muffler, then remove it from under the car.
Rear pipe
16. Loosen the turnbuckle bolts and separate the rear pipe from the intermediate muffler.
17. Unhook the rear pipe from the rubber mounts and remove it from the car (see fig. 7.17).
Pic. 7.17. Rear supports of the exhaust system
Note: Where provided, the silencer in the tail section can be carefully cut off from the exhaust system with a hacksaw and replaced separately: consult a Mercedes-Benz dealer or exhaust specialist for advice.
Whole system
18. Disconnect the downpipe from the manifolds as described earlier in this paragraph. Where provided, disconnect the Lambda probe wire plug from the connector.
19. With an assistant, disconnect the system from all rubber supports and remove it from under the car.
Installation
20. Installation of each section is carried out in reverse order, taking into account the following points.
- A) Make sure that all traces of corrosion are removed from the flanges and replace all necessary gaskets.
- b) Check the rubber mounts for signs of damage or deterioration and, if found, replace them.
- V) Replace the conical seals in the connection between the intermediate muffler and the exhaust pipe.
- G) On couplings that are secured with tie-down rings, apply an exhaust sealant to the mating surfaces of the couplings to seal. Tighten the turnbuckle nuts securely.
- d) Before tightening the fasteners of the exhaust system, check that there is sufficient clearance between the parts of the system and the bottom of the vehicle.