How to Replace a Muffler on a Honda

by Thomas West

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Honda started making automobiles in the early 1960s and imported its two-cylinder N600 to North America in 1970. Americans were less than thrilled with the N600 but took notice of the automaker with the introduction of Honda’s Civic in 1973. Fuel economy, handling and quality are reasons the original car took off in popularity and are still reasons Honda has so many repeat buyers as of 2010. However, parts will wear out on even well-engineered cars, so replacing your Honda’s muffler may be in your future if your car’s exhaust note is getting raspy.

Step 1

Back your Honda onto a set of car ramps, or raise the car with a hydraulic jack and place jack stands under the rear frame rails on each side. Lower the hydraulic jack so that the car’s weight is resting on the jack stands, not the hydraulic jack.

Step 2

Crawl under the rear of the vehicle and locate the muffler and tail pipe assembly on the passenger side of the car. Loosen and remove the two bolts that hold the muffler assembly to the exhaust pipe with an 8 mm wrench turned in a counterclockwise direction. Remove the bolts and the small springs behind the bolts and set them aside.

Step 3

Locate the rubber muffler mounts that attach the muffler assembly to the car body at the rear of the vehicle. Pry the rubber mounts off the mounting studs on the car body with a flat screwdriver. Lower the rear of the muffler assembly while sliding it toward the rear of the car. Remove the assembly from under the vehicle and discard it or place it aside.

Step 4

Install a new rubber muffler mount by placing the mounting hole on one end of the mount onto the mounting stud on the rear of the new muffler assembly and sliding it into place. Repeat this step if your Honda muffler uses two rubber mounts.

Step 5

Place the new muffler assembly under the vehicle with the tail pipe facing the rear of the car. Lift up on the front of the assembly and slide it over the rear axle. Lift the front of the muffler assembly and push the two rubber mounts you installed earlier onto the mounting studs on the rear of the car until they are fully seated.

Step 6

Line up the mounting holes in the front of the muffler assembly to the mounting holes on the exhaust pipe ahead of the rear axle. Place the small springs over the ends of the muffler mounting bolts and thread the bolts into the mounting holes through the muffler assembly and into the exhaust pipe. Tighten the bolts with an 8 mm wrench in a clockwise direction.

Step 7

Drive the car off the car ramps, or raise the car with a hydraulic jack and remove the jack stands from under the frame rails. Lower the car and remove the hydraulic jack from under the car.

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