When the exhaust system on your Chevy Silverado starts having problems, you may be able to repair it yourself. For example, if your muffler has developed holes and needs replaced, you can do this repair with relative ease. New mufflers for the Silverado range in price depending on the make and model of the truck and you can usually replace it in about an hour.
Verify you need a new muffler on your Silverado by looking under the truck towards the back to see if there are holes in the muffler or the exhaust system has fallen off. Or, you may have determined it needs a new muffler because it's running loudly or making gunshot sounds.
Purchase a muffler made of aluminized steel with a 3-inch center inlet and offset outlet 5-inch by 10-inch by 13-inch case. Be sure to purchase the muffler that corresponds to the model and model year of your Silverado.
Place an old blanket or a large piece of cardboard on the ground beneath the rear part of the Silverado. This will allow you to replace the muffler comfortably without lying on the ground. You can also choose to put the rear of the truck up on jack stands for an easier repair in case the pipes are really long.
Remove the old exhaust system. Loosen any bolts around the muffler and take the muffler off. If the muffler is welded on instead of held by clamps, you might be able to break if free using a sledgehammer. Alternately, you can use a hacksaw to cut it free.
Install the new muffler on your Chevy Silverado. Line it up straight with the clamps and then tighten the bolts to hold it in place. The bolts should not be too tight-you want the muffler to move slightly to prevent damage as the truck moves.
Start the engine and check the muffler for any leaks or loud sounds. If there are leaks or loud sounds, you may need to adjust the clamps or tighten the bolts on the clamps.
