Exhaust system, aligning free of stress (vehicles with all wheel drive): Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Audi A4, 2005 Audi A4, 2004 Audi A4, 2003 Audi A4, and 2002 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Align exhaust system when cold.

Fig 1: Removing Bolts For Front Vehicle Floor Crossmember

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove bolts -1- through -4- and remove crossmember (55 Nm).

Vehicles without clamping sleeve between center and rear muffler

Loosen double clamp bolts, item - 14.

Fig 2: Pushing Exhaust System Toward Front Of Vehicle

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Push exhaust system far enough forward (arrow) so that pre-tension at right retaining loop at center muffler -a- = 5 to 9 mm.
Tighten double clamp bolts uniformly to 40 Nm.
Align end pipes. Refer to Tailpipes, aligning .

Vehicles with clamping sleeve between center and rear muffler

NOTE: Only for vehicles with double clamp between center and rear mufflers, the center muffler must also be aligned.

Loosen double clamp bolts, item - 14, and item - 24.

Fig 3: Pushing Exhaust System Toward Front Of Vehicle

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Push front part of exhaust system far enough forward (arrow) so that pre-tension at retaining loop at center muffler -a- = 5 to 9 mm.
Tighten front double clamp bolts, item - 14 evenly to 40 Nm.

Fig 4: 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) so that pre-tension at rear retaining loops at rear muffler -a- = 7 to 11 mm.
Align rear muffler horizontally.
Tighten rear double clamp bolts, item - 24 evenly to 40 Nm.
Align end pipes. Refer to Tailpipes, aligning .