Hi. I've been looking all over the forum and the net to find out what the trick is to remove an X308 exhaust. I'm replacing the driveshaft carrier bearing and flex discs and want to remove the front mufflers to get access. Just releasing the clamps did me no good since there wasn't enough space to slide out/uncouple the components. I need to reuse the system so cutting is not my preferred option. The repair manual is of no help. Does anybody have any suggestions?

 

You need to loosen the two front most clamps at the bottom of the catalytic converters. Once those clamps are spread apart, spray lots of wd40 into the pipes. Go back to the center mufflers in front of the differential. Loosen those two clamps and spread them apart. Once they’re spread apart, spray wd40 into those pipes. You need to push both of those center mufflers towards the front of the car. Once that’s done, go to the cats again and see if both of those exhaust pipes are as far forward as they can be. Once they are, tighten down both of those clamps. Go back to the center mufflers and you should be able to pull both of those pipes out and have that free. Once that’s done, go back to the cats and loosen the two clamps. You should be able to lift up the backside of that loose exhaust and push the exhaust back and down to the ground. When you go back together, I highly suggest using anti-seize on the threads of the clamps and wd40 on the pipes that you have to slide around to get the exhaust free enough to adjust it the way you want.

 

A2B,
Thanks a million for the detailed explanation! I'll be back at it tomorrow and
I'll let you know how it went. Really appreciate the very fast reply. Jimmy

 

I wish I'd had this to read before I replaced one of my cats - a painful process learning it all through experience.. One other thing I'd recommend is make sure that you have something to support the centre sections while you're trying to do this (I used a trolley jack as the car was on axle stands) - it's a buggar trying to get everything lined up and moving unless they're all level...

 

@ KKJMG: Maybe your question has been answered already - I would not know, because I just cannot follow that instruction above in my mind. Anyway, when I swapped the catalysts on my X308, I had to disconnect the whole "chain" of exhaust-bits from the very back. When you disconnect the very last bit, you can disconnect the bit before and before...

PS: I just read the post below - maybe it was more complicated that just dismantling the lot from the back. It is just some time ago. Maybe it included some additional moving about, but in the end, I had to remove the lot to get to the catalysts.

 

I just pull the center exhaust forward with ratchet straps after the clamps are loose and push the rear muffler/pipes off.
The center exhaust can then be pulled back and off.

 

That sounds excellent. Where/how on the exhaust do I attach the straps? Thanks!

 

That’s a very good idea Bob!

Jimmy, you’ll need to get a ratchet strap long enough to hook one end to the front subframe, loop it over the single front muffler in between the left and right side exhaust tubes, back under that same muffler and back to the front subframe is where to put the other hook.

 

So the strap pulls on the muffler, right? I imagine some emery cloth and WD-40 on the tube near the cat will also help.

 

Yes to both Jimmy.