Contents: Removal 🠛 Installation 🠛
On new cars, the exhaust system consists of only two parts; intake pipe (and a catalytic converter where it is used) and the rest of the system, consisting of a central silencer, a rear pipe and a muffler. The exhaust inlet pipe at the rear has a flange connection with a gasket or a cone connection.
The rear part of the exhaust system is located above the rear suspension, but the intermediate part and the rear pipe with the muffler can be replaced separately by sawing them off with a hacksaw. The system is supported along its entire length by rubber hangers.
To remove part of the system, first jack up the front or rear of the car and support it on axle stands. Alternatively, place the car on an inspection pit. Where available, remove the engine undershield.
Removal
Intake pipe
1. Where applicable, unscrew the downpipe from the bracket.
2. Loosen and remove the nuts/bolts securing the flange connection of the inlet pipe to the manifold or turbocharger (where is available), and remove the gasket.
3. Loosen and remove the flange bolts and disconnect the exhaust pipe from the catalytic converter or intermediate section. Remove the pipe from under the vehicle.
Catalytic converter
1. Loosen and remove the flange that bolts the inlet pipe to the catalytic converter and remove the gasket.
2. If the factory rear end is installed, it will need to be cut off behind the catalytic converter.
3. After cutting the intermediate pipe, remove the catalytic converter from under the car.
Intermediate pipe (and the muffler where it is used)
1. On models without a catalytic converter, unscrew and remove the bolts of the flange connecting the inlet pipe to the intermediate pipe and remove the gasket.
2. On models with a catalytic converter, remove the catalytic converter as described in the paragraphs above.
3. If the factory rear part is installed, it must be sawed off.
4. After sawing the intermediate pipe, remove it from under the car.
5. If the rear section is in two halves, loosen the bolt and pull the clamp sleeve back, then unhook the rubber hangers and remove the intermediate section from under the car.
Rear pipe and muffler
1. If the factory rear end is installed, follow the instructions above.
2. If the rear section is in two halves, loosen the bolt and pull the clamp sleeve forward onto the intermediate section, then unhook the rubber hangers and remove the rear pipe and muffler from under the car.
Thermal insulation boards
1. The heat shields are attached to the underbody with various nuts and bolts. Each shield can only be removed after the corresponding part of the exhaust system has been removed. If the shield is removed to gain access to a component located behind it, in some cases it is enough to unscrew the mounting nuts and/or bolts and simply lower the shield without disturbing the exhaust system. Otherwise, remove the part of the exhaust system as described earlier.
Installation
1. Each part is installed in the reverse order of removal, paying attention to the following:
- a) Ensure that all traces of corrosion have been removed from the flanges, replace all necessary gaskets.
- b) Inspect the rubber hangers for signs of damage or contamination, replace as necessary.
- c) When connecting the intermediate and rear parts, apply a small amount of exhaust sealing paste (Renault recommends Sodicam) onto the inside surface of the bushing to ensure a tight seal. Place the bushing clamp bolt vertically on the left side of the pipe and tighten the nut securely until you hear a click; the clamp bolt has a groove to ensure proper tightening of the nut (tightening torque approximately 25 Nm)
- d) Before tightening the exhaust system connections, make sure that all rubber hangers are correctly positioned and there is an acceptable clearance between the underbody of the vehicle and the exhaust system.