Exhaust System, Aligning

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

Align the exhaust system when cold.

-- Loosen the front double clamp bolts.

-- Push the exhaust system far enough forward so that the pretension at the retaining rings at the rear muffler = 15 to 17 mm -a-.

Fig 1: Identifying Pre-Tension Dimension Of Retaining Loop At Rear Muffler

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-- Install the clamping sleeve so that the end of the bolt does not extend beyond the lower edge of the clamping sleeve.

Fig 2: Clamping Sleeve Location

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Threaded connection points toward the right.

-- Tighten the clamping sleeve bolts uniformly to 25 Nm.

Aligning the Tailpipe

-- Align the rear muffler so the distance -a- between the bumper opening and right and left tail pipes is equal.

Fig 3: Aligning Exhaust System

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Distance -b- from the bumper opening to the tail pipes must be parallel.

-- Loosen the rear muffler mounts to align the tail pipes, if necessary.