Exhaust system, installing tension free: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Audi A4, 2008 Audi A4, 2007 Audi A4, 2006 Audi A4, and 2005 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Align exhaust system when cold.

Vehicles without double clamps between center and rear muffler

Align exhaust system when cold.

Loosen front double clamp bolts.

Fig 1: Pushing Exhaust System Toward Front Of Vehicle

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Push exhaust system far enough forward - arrow - until pre-load on right retaining loop at center muffler is - a - = 5 to 9 mm.
Tighten front clamping sleeve bolts evenly to 23 Nm.
Align end pipes Tailpipes, aligning .

Vehicles with double clamps between center and rear muffler

The rear muffler must also be aligned only on vehicles with clamping sleeves between center and rear mufflers.

Loosen bolts of front clamping sleeve and rear clamping sleeves.

Fig 2: Pushing Exhaust System Toward Front Of Vehicle

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Push front part of exhaust system far enough forward - arrow - until pre-load on right retaining loop at center muffler is - a - = 5 to 9 mm.
Tighten front clamping sleeve bolts evenly to 23 Nm.

Fig 3: Pushing Rear Section Of Exhaust System Toward Front Of Vehicle

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Push rear part of exhaust system far enough forward - arrow - until pre-load on rear retaining loops at rear muffler is - a - = 7 to 11 mm.
Align rear muffler horizontally.
Tighten rear clamping sleeve bolts evenly to 23 Nm.
Align end pipes Tailpipes, aligning .