How to Replace a Broken Exhaust Support Bracket (Step-by-Step)
Updated: Jan 8
The exhaust support bracket is an essential component of your car's exhaust system. It helps to hold the exhaust pipe in place and keeps it from vibrating or moving too much.
Without a properly functioning exhaust support bracket, the exhaust pipe can become damaged or fall off, causing serious problems for your car. If you think that you may have a broken exhaust support bracket, it is important to replace it as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.
In this article, we will discuss how to replace a broken exhaust support bracket and the tools and equipment that you will need to complete the job.
Table of Contents:
Signs of a Broken Exhaust Support Bracket
There are a few signs that you may have a broken exhaust support bracket.
One of the most obvious is if you hear a loud rattling noise coming from underneath your car. This noise is usually caused by the exhaust pipe vibrating against the underside of the car due to a lack of support.
Another sign of a broken exhaust support bracket is if you notice that your car is not running as smoothly as it usually does. This can be caused by the exhaust pipe not being held in place correctly, which can lead to problems with the flow of exhaust gases.
Tools and Equipment Needed to Replace Exhaust Support
Before you begin the process of replacing your exhaust support bracket, it is important to gather all of the tools and equipment that you will need. You will need the following equipment and tools to replace the exhaust bracket.
Owner’s manual
Replacement exhaust support bracket and related fittings
Safety glasses
A hydraulic floor jack is necessary to lift the car off of the ground, and jack stands will help to keep it stable while you are working.
The owner’s manual for your car will provide you with specific instructions on how to replace the exhaust support bracket, so it is important to have this on hand. You will also need a replacement exhaust support bracket and any related fittings that are required.
Safety glasses are important to protect your eyes from any debris that may fly up during the process.
A socket wrench set and wrenches will be needed to loosen and remove the old exhaust support bracket, and a specialist penetrating WD-40 will help to loosen any stubborn bolts.
How to Replace a Broken Exhaust Support Bracket
Follow the steps below to replace the broken exhaust support with a new one.
1. Jack the car up and put it on jack stands safely
The first step in replacing a broken exhaust support bracket is to lift the car off of the ground. Use a hydraulic floor jack to lift the car, and then place it on jack stands for stability.
Make sure that the car is secure and will not move while you are working on it.
2. Spray WD-40 penetrating fluid onto the exhaust bracket bolts
You may need to spray WD-40 penetrating fluid onto the bolts that hold the exhaust support bracket in place. This will help to loosen the bolts and make it easier to remove them.
3. Remove the exhaust support bolts
Using a socket wrench set or wrenches, loosen and remove the bolts that hold the exhaust support bracket in place.
Be careful not to drop the bolts, as they may be difficult to retrieve if they fall into a hard-to-reach area.
4. Install the new exhaust support bracket
Once the old exhaust support bracket has been removed, you can install the new one. Make sure that it is properly aligned and tightened down using the bolts that you removed from the old bracket.
5. Ensure it's installed correctly
Double-check to make sure that the new exhaust support bracket is installed correctly and tightened down properly. You do not want it to become loose or fall off while you are driving.
6. Test drive the vehicle to ensure its secure
Finally, it is important to test drive the vehicle to ensure that the new exhaust support bracket is secure and functioning properly. Pay attention to any noises or vibrations that you may feel while driving, as these could indicate that the bracket is not properly installed.
If everything seems to be working correctly, you have successfully replaced your broken exhaust support bracket!
Conclusion
Replacing a broken exhaust support bracket is an important task that should not be overlooked. Without a properly functioning exhaust support bracket, the exhaust pipe can become damaged or fall off, causing serious problems for your car.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily and safely replace a broken exhaust support bracket and get your car back on the road. Make sure to gather all of the necessary tools and equipment before starting the job, and be careful not to overtighten any bolts or components.
By taking the time to properly replace your exhaust support bracket, you can ensure that your car is running smoothly and safely.