How to Clamp Exhaust Pipes Together

by C.L. Rease

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The exhaust system of your vehicle directs exhaust fumes from the engine away from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Exhaust clamps not only hold the exhaust pipe together, but also ensure your safety by keeping dangerous carbon monoxide from entering your vehicle. When carbon monoxide accumulates in your vehicle, it displaces oxygen and in high concentrations can cause you to pass out and possibly die from asphyxiation. Therefore, it is vital that you properly install the exhaust clamps to eliminate carbon monoxide from entering your vehicle.

Step 1

Put on your safety glasses and work gloves.

Step 2

Disassemble the exhaust clamp by loosening and then removing the hex nuts from the U-bolt.

Step 3

Place the saddle on the top of the exhaust pipe connection, slide the U-bolt into the saddle and thread one hex nut on each leg of the U-bolt. Do not tighten the hex nuts, as this will hinder your ability to perform the next step.

Step 4

Apply pressure to the exhaust pipe connection to ensure that the connection is fully seated.

Step 5

Select a socket from the socket set that matches the size of the hex nuts, and attach it to the 3/8-inch ratchet.

Step 6

Set the ratchet to tighten.

Step 7

Slide the socket onto one of the hex nuts and tighten the nut until it is tight.

Step 8

Repeat the process to tighten the other hex nut.

Step 9

Check the first hex nut that you tightened with the ratchet for tightness. If the nut is loose, re-tighten it. You should notice the exhaust pipe pulling in under the pressure of the exhaust clamp.