Is it easy to replace a muffler?

Question

I have basic tools, common sense, and less money than I'd like. If it's easy and worth my time, I'd love to do it myself rather than bring it in to a shop, but how is it done? Is it simple? Thanks!

Answer 1

Nope. I have been trying for thirty five years and she is still noisy as ever.

Answer 2

Muffler replacement's not particularly easy but not particularly hard either provided you're not opposed to 'monkeying' it together a bit. It's an ugly task however.

Ideally it 'should' be welded on by a professional but with the right reducer piping and a few hose clamps it can be accomplished. This should be attempted ONLY as a temporary solution!

First, (SAFETY! Always remember to wear gloves and eye protection.) crawl under the vehicle and inspect the exhaust system. (Ideally the vehicle should be placed in jackstands) Measure the exhaust pipe diameter and the muffler input/output port diameter(s). Determine whether you can reuse your existing exit piping. Remember that the exit piping should extend outside of the vehicle to prevent possible fume circulation problems inside the vehicle.

Next, examine the Muffler hanger(s) and determine whether they can be reused for your new (temporary) application. If not, you'll need to devise a new hanger method.

Visit your local auto parts store and purchace exaust piping reducers. Most large chains will have them. Purchase enough band-clamps to use as fasters for the piping. If you are not able to reuse your old muffler hangers, you'll need to fabricate some. Do NOT let your mufflers hang free beheath the vehicle. They'll shake loose fall off causing a road hazard for others.

Here's where it gets ugly. You'll need to cut your old mufflers free from the vehicle, likely with a hacksaw or grinder wheel. Always remember to wear gloves and eye protection.

Install the new mufflers using the pipe reducers and band clamps, install the supporting muffler hangers and you should be good to go, for a while.

Please remember that this intended as a very short term solution. As soon as possible, visit a muffler shop and have them installed properly. The average cost to install new mufflers (labor only) should be less than $100.00.

Answer 3

It's not real difficult. Much easier if you have a cutting torch. Especially if the system is old. Look at the exhaust pipe into and out of the muffler. sometimes they are rusted or burned thru. Don't forget the pipe hangers. They could be rusted. Be sure to use jack stands. Don't take chances with your life. I had a car fall on me once. Not a pleasant experience. I have decided it is easier to take it to a muffler shop. Remember to wear safety glasses or goggles. Lots of stuff falls from under the frame. Good luck. Be careful.

Answer 4

Just buy an economy muffler and the hardware you need and take it to a muffler shop. make sure the muffler is the proper one for your car. They should be able to have it done in 1/2 hour and that shouldn't cost much.

Answer 5

it e-z if you use claps but it is better to weld it. it takes 1/2 hours for me to put a new muffler on.

ps the car back tires need to be 2 feet up in the air to do it

Answer 6

Dude, unless you are a welder, forget it. The pipes need to be welded together to make the fit and if you do not know what you are doing you can damage expensive things like the catalitic converter and the exhaust manifold.

Answer 7

it's not that hard, get the haynes or clymer manual or borrow it from the library or look it up online for the steps to do. the MOST IMPORTANT part it to make sure the car is secure and on steady, rock solid jack stands before you crawl under the car!!!!!