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Muffler banging, but strap is OK

The muffler on my 97 SL2 is banging on the cross member piece, so I assumed it was the strap. Went to replace it and it's intact! Loosened it up to lower the muffler, it looks OK. Put it back on and still have the problem. The muffler side-to-side motion is OK/within spec, but up and down movement is too great, about

3/4" - 1" so I'm not sure what the problem is. This is the newer type--stainless strap, and two bolts to remove.

--any ideas why I'm banging? Worn rubber? Metal flex? All the other hangers the rest of the way are there and look OK.

--how to take the strap off completely? The second bolt (the one above the muffler) is rusted and in a tough location.

Thanks for your time,

Max

Reply to
Max
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I had a similar problem after having an aftermarket muffler put on my 94 SL2. Although the strap seems to be in place, if there are any mounting brackets loose or the muffler strap is positioned loosely or has slipped the pipe will bang aginst the underneath of the car when the pipe moves. Another reason could be that soft rubber mount holding the strap has broken or worn allowing the movement you described.

jack the car up and look underneath to see where the pipe is hitting, replace the strap with an OEM strap or if you have an aftermarket muffler, you will need to get the proper strap. If you cant get that bolt loose, youll need to cut the strap off and replace the strap and soft mount too, which is problably your best bet.

marx404

Reply to
marx404

I'd check the rubber insulator that the strap is insterted into. It's mounted directly above the muffler. In case you need a new one, it's part#35119.

Reply to
Bill

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