I'm trying to replace the muffler on my 95 Ciera. It has been replaced at least once before as there was a clamp on the front end of the muffler. I had no trouble getting the clamp off and the back hanger came off without problem. I can't get the muffler off the exhaust pipe. It seems to be held on with the sealant that was used last time. What is the trick for this? I don't want to cut off the muffler because then my exhaust pipe will be too short and if I cut right at the front of the muffler, the connecter will still be on the exhaust pipe making the OD too big for the new muffler. Any help would be appreciated.

Alan, you're going to have to cut/split the end of the muffler where it goes over the pipe. What's happened is that when the clamp was tightened, it pinched the pipe or dimpled it, so the muffler won't simply slip off...you can use a hacksaw or cutting wheel, just be sure to cut through only the outer pipe, and not both...

it's either dimpled or rusted together. try hitting the muffler with a large hammer to try and slide it off. also, try heating the muffler where it slides over the pipe.

Probably the muffler bearings are siezed..........

Actually, what strokercutlass said, if you don't have those tools, a cold chisel will do also, just be carefull.

Damn, I suspected the muffler bearings. They were making a lot of noise for quite a while.

The problem is getting to the front of the muffler. There is a cross member right in my way. I am (if it ever gets warm and dry again) going to get a loaner pipe cutter from my local auto parts store and cut it off right at the front of the muffler. With the muffler out of the way I will be able to get to the pipe with my angle grinder and cold chisel. (Wish I had a lift). Very simple car to change the muffler on if the old one would come off.

This would be simple if it just wasn't so COMPLICATED!!

[quote="73Delta88#-o :[/quote]

Hey, how'd you get that picture of me trying to figure out how to get the old muffler off?

Alan, good luck, let us know how it turned out.

who is that on the hood of that cutlass, got a bigger picture of her?

OldsGuy,

I wish I knew. I stole the pic off 442.com ( http://www.442.com/links/linkspage.html ) for my avatar.