Muffler Replacement: Removal
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Yukon XL, 2003 GMC Sierra, 2003 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove wheels.
- Remove oil pan skid plate bolts and plate, if necessary.
- Remove spare tire.
- On vehicles equipped with electronic rear suspension, disconnect the chassis harness from the electrical connectors, electronic suspension rear position sensor and rear shock absorber.
- Remove the left and right sensor link rods from the sensors by supporting sensor lever with your hand and twisting the link rod in order to remove it from the ball stud.
- On all vehicles, install adjustable jack stands under rear axle.
- Remove rear axle vent hose from rear axle (if equipped).
- Remove vent hose swivel clip from the rear brake crossover pipe.
- On all vehicles, remove rear shock absorbers lower bolts and nuts.
- Lower rear axle slightly, using the adjustable jack stands, in order to remove the muffler.
- Unclip oxygen sensor connector from the frame.
- Disconnect the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) retainer.
- Disconnect oxygen sensor electrical connector.
- Remove muffler nuts.
- Loosen exhaust pipe clamp.
- With the aid of an assistant, support muffler.
- Remove insulators from frame hangers.
- Slide muffler rearward in order to remove muffler from catalytic converter.
- Remove insulators from muffler hangers.
- Remove exhaust manifold pipe gasket.
- Remove oxygen sensor, if muffler is being replaced.