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Toyota Chassis and Body workshop and repair manual

Tools & supplies
- Floor jack + jack stands or two-post lift (never rely on jack only)
- Wheel chocks, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, long-sleeve clothing
- Penetrating oil (PB Blaster, Kroil), wire brush
- Socket set, wrench set, breaker bar, extensions, impact wrench (optional)
- Torque wrench
- Exhaust hanger pliers or large pliers, pry bar, rubber mallet
- Reciprocating saw with metal blade or angle grinder with cutoff wheel (for seized joints)
- Small propane torch (optional) — use with extreme caution
- Support jack + wood block or transmission jack for holding pipe
- New exhaust gaskets (flange gaskets), new nuts/bolts or band clamps, replacement exhaust pipe/hangers as required
- Anti-seize compound, safety rags
- O2 sensor socket (if sensor present) and new sensor gasket or anti-seize for sensor threads

Safety precautions (read & follow)
- Work on a level surface, engine cold. Chock wheels and disconnect negative battery terminal.
- Use jack stands or a lift; never crawl under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- Wear eye and hearing protection. Cutting/grinding creates sparks; protect fuel lines, wiring, brake lines and rubber parts.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. Avoid breathing rust/dust and exhaust fumes.
- If using heat/torch, keep a fire extinguisher nearby and protect heat-sensitive components.
- Remove or protect O2 sensors before heating/cutting.

Step-by-step: remove and replace an exhaust pipe on a Toyota chassis/body
1) Preparation
- Park, chock wheels, allow exhaust to cool completely.
- Disconnect negative battery terminal.
- Spray all nuts, studs and clamp bolts with penetrating oil; let soak 10–20 minutes. Wire-brush visible corrosion.

2) Raise and support vehicle
- Use a floor jack to raise vehicle and place jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points. Alternatively use ramps or a lift.
- Position a support jack under the exhaust section to be removed, using a block of wood to distribute load.

3) Remove heat shields (if necessary)
- Remove any heat shields blocking access to flanges/hangers. Keep fasteners organized.

4) Support the exhaust
- Use the support jack under the pipe/muffler to hold weight before removing hangers or flange bolts.

5) Remove O2 sensor(s) if they are located in the section being removed
- Use an O2 sensor socket, unplug harness first, then unscrew sensor. Protect wiring and mark location.

6) Unbolt flange(s) or loosen clamps
- For flange connections: loosen nuts with breaker bar or impact. If studs are seized, apply penetrating oil, tap with hammer to crack rust, apply heat briefly to the nut (avoid nearby sensors/hoses). If still stuck, cut the flange bolts/studs with a cutoff wheel or reciprocating saw.
- For band/clamp connections: loosen clamp bolts and pry apart.
- Use two hands to control pieces as bolts free — exhaust can drop rapidly if not supported.

7) Remove hangers
- Slide rubber hangers off exhaust isolators using hanger pliers or pry bar. If brittle, cut and replace with new hangers. Lower the exhaust assembly onto the support jack and remove completely.

8) Inspect mating surfaces and components
- Clean flange faces with wire brush. Replace any damaged flanges, studs or bent pipes. Replace rubber isolators if cracked. Confirm no damage to catalytic converter or resonator.

9) Prepare replacement parts
- New parts required: the replacement pipe, exhaust flange gaskets (always replace gaskets), new nuts/bolts or new band clamps, new rubber hanger mounts if needed. Apply anti-seize to bolts (not inside gasket sealing surfaces) and to O2 sensor threads if the new sensor requires it.

10) Fit new pipe
- Position new pipe on support jack. Fit new flange gaskets between mating flanges and hand-thread bolts/nuts to hold loosely. For slip-fit sections, insert pipe fully and slide clamp loosely into place.
- Reinstall O2 sensor(s) into new pipe if removed.

11) Align and tighten progressively
- Align pipe so there is adequate clearance to body, suspension and heat shields (about 10–20 mm where practical). Work from front to back or rear to front, tightening flange bolts/clamps evenly and progressively.
- Torque to manufacturer spec where available. If spec unavailable, tighten flange nuts/clamp bolts evenly until snug then torque clamp bolts to a firm setting (typical band clamp torque range ~30–50 ft·lb depending on clamp size). Avoid over-tightening that deforms pipe flange.

12) Reinstall heat shields and final checks
- Reinstall heat shields and any removed components.
- Lower vehicle off stands safely.

13) Test
- Reconnect battery, start engine, let idle and inspect all joints for leaks (listen for hissing) and check for vibrations or contact points. Tighten as needed after warm-up.
- Reinspect after a short test drive and retorque bolts/clamps.

How each tool is used (key points)
- Penetrating oil: spray on nuts/studs, allow soak time; repeat as needed. Works best after tapping threads with hammer to let oil penetrate.
- Breaker bar/impact: breaker bar gives controlled leverage; impact wrenches can remove seized bolts quickly but can break corroded studs—use carefully.
- Reciprocating saw or angle grinder: use for cutting seized bolts or replacing mid-pipe. Use metal-cutting blades/wheels, clamp heat-sensitive lines away, wear full PPE, cut one side at a time to control component movement.
- Exhaust hanger pliers: squeeze to open rubber isolator and slide exhaust hanger off peg; they reduce risk of tearing hangers and injuring hands.
- Support jack: hold pipe steady during removal/installation; use wood block to prevent crushing pipe. Consider two jacks for long assemblies to maintain alignment.
- Torque wrench: tighten nuts/clamps evenly and to spec; prevents leaks and broken studs.

Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
- Working without proper support: always support the exhaust or it will fall and injure you or damage components.
- Not replacing gaskets: reusing old gaskets causes leaks. Always install new flange gaskets.
- Damaging O2 sensors: remove and protect sensors before heat/cutting. Use correct socket; apply anti-seize only to threads if new sensor requires it (many new sensors are pre-coated).
- Overheating nearby components: when using a torch, shield fuel/brake lines and wiring, and don’t heat oxygen sensor or catalytic converter.
- Stripping or breaking studs: apply penetrating oil, heat, and use proper tools; if studs break, extract and replace studs or cut and install new bolts/clamps.
- Misalignment: failing to align leads to vibration, stress, and leaks. Use support jacks and fit loosely before final torquing.
- Illegal modifications: do not remove or alter catalytic converters where prohibited by law.

Replacement parts typically required
- Exhaust pipe section (exact OEM or aftermarket fitment for your Toyota model)
- Flange gaskets and new nuts/bolts or band clamps
- Rubber hangers/isolation mounts
- O2 sensor (if damaged during work)
- Replacement studs if broken or corroded

Finish check
- After installation, run engine to operating temperature, recheck all joints and re-torque bolts/clamps if necessary. Inspect after 50–100 miles for loosened fasteners or broken hangers.

Done.
rteeqp73

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