A loose exhaust clamp allows gasses to leak out of the exhaust system, creating numerous engine performance issues, as well as passenger safety hazards. The exhaust piping is specially designed to optimize exhaust flow to the rear muffler while reducing engine noise. Loose clamps allow the exhaust gas to prematurely exit the piping, which creates turbulence and volumetric inefficiency in the exhaust flow. More importantly, the leaked exhaust gasses, which contain carbon monoxide, can seep into the passenger cabin. This is dangerous and potentially fatal to passengers inside the vehicle. As such, you should inspect and tighten all exhaust clamps on your vehicle whenever you suspect an exhaust leak.
Reference a repair manual for your vehicle to determine the suggested torque values for the exhaust clamp bolts. If you are tightening the clamps on an aftermarket exhaust system, this information should be available in the installation manual or on the manufacturer's website. Proper torque application must be used to ensure the exhaust clamps create an airtight seal while not deforming the exhaust piping due to over-tightening.
Ensure that your vehicle is parked on a surface that is safe for raising the vehicle with a floor jack, such as a garage floor or flat concrete driveway. Let the engine fully cool down before you perform any work on the exhaust system, as the piping will be extremely hot due to the exhaust gasses.
Slide a floor jack under the side of the vehicle on which the exhaust system is installed. Raise the jack high enough so that you can safely work underneath the vehicle. Place jack stands in their designated locations under the chassis, then slightly lower the floor jack so that the chassis rests on the stands. The suggested jack stand locations for your vehicle can be found in your owner's manual.
Inspect the exhaust piping to ensure it is free from damage or rust that could allow for an exhaust leak. With the exhaust clamps loose, the exhaust system may come out of alignment and/or rattle against the chassis. This can lead to stress fractures in the piping, especially along weld locations. Before you tighten the exhaust clamps, make sure no damage to the piping has occurred.
Set your torque wrench to the suggested torque rating and use a socket head to tighten all of the exhaust clamp bolts, starting at the front of the exhaust system and working your way back. If the exhaust clamps feature two bolts each, tighten the bolts gradually, switching back and forth until both bolts reach the suggested torque rating. This ensures that the clamp receives equal pressure from both bolts, and thus ensures an even, airtight seal.
Remove the jack stands and lower your vehicle off the floor jack once you have tightened all of the exhaust clamp bolts. Start the engine and listen to the sound of the exhaust from outside the vehicle. If you notice any hissing air or popping noises coming from the exhaust piping area, this indicates that an exhaust leak is still present.
